'Take the time you need' - condolences to Neil Lennon after father's death as ex-Northern Ireland captain returns home from Scotland
Neil Lennon, the former Northern Ireland captain and ex-Celtic boss, has returned home from Scotland following the death of his father, Gerry.
An official statement released by the manager’s current club, Dunfermline Athletic, confirmed “Neil will be home in Northern Ireland with his family and will not be in attendance at this weekend’s fixture vs Queen’s Park FC”.
Condolences were posted across social media, including from Dunfermline and the Irish Football Association.
“Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gerry Lennon, father of our manager Neil Lennon,” read the Scottish Championship club’s official message. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Neil and his family at this difficult time.
"Neil will be home in Northern Ireland with his family and will not be in attendance at this weekend’s fixture vs Queen’s Park FC.
"Assistant Manager Iain Brunskill will lead the side for this weekend’s match along with Assistant Coach Kevin McDonald.”
Lennon, a former captain of his country, won 40 senior caps from 1994 to 2002 during a playing career which took the 54-year-old midfielder from his hometown club Glenavon to teams in England and Scotland including Manchester City, Leicester City and Celtic.
The official Irish Football Association social media account posted: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Gerry Lennon, father of our former player, Neil Lennon.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Neil and his family at this difficult time.”
Lennon, who steered Celtic to a string of silverware as manager across two spells, took over Dunfermline in March.
His mother, Ursula, passed away last August.
Lennon’s 19-year-old son, Gallagher, is a former Northern Ireland youth captain currently playing for Broxburn Athletic.
McAlinden & Murtagh Funeral Services announced online on Friday: “Gerald, dearly beloved husband of the late Ursula and the adored father of Orla, Neil, Jane and Aileen. A dear father-in-law to Cormac and Irene, and a cherished granda of Alisha, Jay, Caolan, Gallagher, Morgan, Tiernan and his great-grandchildren Eve, Isaac & Gabriel.
“Gerald will be reposing at his home, 8 Hawthorne Avenue, Shankill, BT66 6DU, today and on Sunday from 12.00pm until 8.00pm.
“Funeral on Monday at 9.30am to St Paul’s Church, Lurgan where Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10.00am. A private committal service will take place at a later date.”
Messages of condolences across social media included the following:
@loughers2: Condolences to our former captain and his family
@OfficialCammyG: Take the time you need gaffer, my thoughts are with you and your family at this time
@The_Tman10: RIP Gerry Neil has had a tough 18 months losing both his parents
@PTFCSLO: Football rivalry and anything else is insignificant at times like this. Thoughts are with the family at this time. R.I.P.