Tributes pour in for 'absolute gentleman' as Irish League club confirm sad passing of president
Rathfriland Rangers have paid tribute to president John Annett following his passing, saying everyone associated with the club is “heartbroken”.
The Premier Intermediate League outfit confirmed the sad news on Tuesday with their scheduled match against Knockbreda later that evening postponed.
A funeral notice for Mr Annett remembered him as the “Dearly Loved and Devoted Husband of Joanne, Loving and Adored Father of Joel, Hayley (Jake), Zach (Alana), Ellie and Abbie. Proud Granda of James, Isabella, Oliver, Jude and Ezra. Loving Son of Jean and the late Allister. A much loved Brother of Murray, David, Eric & Roy.”
Mr Annett’s funeral service will take place at First Rathfriland Presbyterian Church at 2pm on Friday.
Posting on social media, Rathfriland said: “It is with deep regret that we have to inform you of the passing earlier today of our dear friend and Rathfriland Football Club President John Annett.
“The committee, members, players and supporters are heartbroken by John's passing and we send our sincere condolences to the entire family circle.”
Hundreds of tributes have poured in from the wider Northern Ireland football family with David Blakely saying: “Very sad to hear this! Absolute gentleman with a big heart! One of life’s true greats. Thought and prayers to all the Annett family.”
Trevor Anderson added: “Sad news, had the pleasure to work with John and share a football pitch with him, always had a smile and a handshake after a game, a gentleman who will be missed, condolences to his family, God bless you all.”
Robert Davidson posted: “What an amazing man and true gentleman, my thoughts and prayers with the whole family at this difficult time John was a football man but a family man first.”
In October 2024, John and the Annett family handed over a donation of £17,219 to Brainwaves NI after fundraising efforts for the charity.
Rathfriland’s youth section remembered Mr Annett as an “absolute gentleman” with the family name “woven into the fabric” of the club.
“Everyone at Rathfriland Football Club Youth is deeply saddened by the passing of our current Club President, John Annett,” they posted on social media. “John was an absolute gentleman and a true servant of our club.
"As Club President, he led with quiet strength, integrity and unwavering support for everyone involved in Rathfriland Football Club, especially our young players.
“His connection to Rathfriland Youth ran deep, with his own children and grandchildren proudly coming through our youth set-up.
"The Annett family are truly woven into the fabric of our club, and John’s legacy will live on in the generations of players who continue to represent Rathfriland.
“Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with the entire Annett family circle at this incredibly difficult time.”
The committee of Banbridge Town posted: “Everyone at Banbridge Town Football Club wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of John Annett, along with everyone at Rathfriland Football Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s loved ones at this difficult time.”
Tandragee Rovers Football Club added: “Everyone at Tandragee Rovers FC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Annett, father of our senior player Zach.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Annett family at this very difficult time. Our thoughts are also with everyone at Rathfriland Football Club, where John served with great dedication as Club President.”