A celebration tonight of Aaron Moffett’s legacy in Irish League football will go far beyond record-breaking achievements as a player to more a remembrance of the person “with the big smile respected and loved by everyone”.

With the one-year anniversary of Aaron’s death last August at 38 via a road accident just days away, a special match has been arranged between Dollingstown – the club he served with such distinction for almost two decades as player and official – and Loughgall, the first he represented, tonight at Planters Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

Having retired his number six jersey last year, Dollingstown will tonight hold a pre-match ceremony to officially rename the main stand in Aaron’s memory.

Family members and a number of former team-mates will be in attendance for the inaugural memorial game on a night full of emotion and pride.

placeholder image — The inaugural Aaron Moffett Memorial Cup will take place on Friday at Dollingstown in tribute following the 38-year-old’s passing last August. (Photo by the Moffett family)

“We’ll be holding back tears before the game I’m sure but it’s going to be an occasion that, hopefully, helps bring everyone together in memory of someone so important to us all,” said Nathan McConnell, a long-standing team-mate and close friend of Aaron’s.

“After the shirt number retirement we always wanted to do more and although, to be honest, it’s impossible to truly honour Aaron’s impact and standing, this will go some way to celebrating the person and the player with the big smile respected and loved by everyone.

“Having Aaron’s family at the game for the unveiling of the stand will be very touching and we’ve sent out personal invites to many of his former team-mates.

“It's going to be an emotional night but at the same time a proud night because everybody's remembering just what a legend he was in every way.

“It has been such an incredibly difficult year and with his anniversary so close on August 1 this first match gives us a chance to be together.

“We have his shirt donated back by Aaron’s wife Lindsey now framed in the clubhouse and the stand will be another permanent tribute… although he would have hated all the fuss.”

Aaron lifted 13 trophies in as many seasons with Dollingstown as captain.

“You see the shirt and all of those photographs with Aaron either lifting a trophy or celebrating,” said Nathan. “I grew up a few doors down from Aaron’s parents and then after joining Dollingstown in 2015 would travel with him.

“Most players would say Aaron was the best captain they ever had but, personally, it’s the hours spent together in the car and the laughs I always think of, on top of being such a brilliant leader and player.

“Also a dedicated committee member who put so many hours into whatever was needed without any fanfare, plus such an amazing ambassador for the club when meeting other teams.

“A big part of what always made Dollingstown so special for me was Aaron and then his parents, Flo and John, at games.

“Aaron was such a special person and his loss is so painful… but every time I think of him and the times we shared I end up smiling.”

Proceeds – via donations at the match or the Just Giving website – will go towards REVIVE, the charity for the Regional Intensive Care Unit within Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, in recognition of the care and support provided following Aaron’s accident.