The Irish League has united in tribute to Ballymena United vice-chairman Don Stirling who has died following a short illness.
Don devoted his life to the Sky Blues and was a hugely popular figure around Northern Ireland football.
A welcoming face around the Showgrounds, he was affectionately known for his humility and sense of humour which always raised a smile on visitors to the Warden Street stadium.
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The Sky Blues described Don as 'Mr Ballymena United', and a man who "words alone can never describe".
In a statement, the club said: "Words alone can never describe the man who devoted a literal lifetime to Ballymena United and the local community, and in time we'll find the most appropriate way to celebrate his life and love for our club.
"In the meantime we will pray for and support Marlinda and the family circle and take time to grieve this loss, which will leave an irreplaceable gap in our hearts.
"Thank you Don for everything you have been to us, Mr. Ballymena United."
Ballymena United FC Women and Academy added: "We share the profound sadness felt at the loss of Don Stirling . We send our deepest condolences to Don 's family and friends. The entire football family will mourn his loss and he will be very much missed by everyone at his beloved club. Rest in peace Don and thank you."
The Northern Ireland Football League paid tribute to Don. In a statement, it said: "The NI Football League is deeply saddened by the passing of Don Stirling of Ballymena United after a short illness.
"Mr. Stirling was a popular and long serving club representative to the Irish League and NIFL.
"As recognition for his years of service to football, he had been awarded the NI Football Writers' Merit Award in 2014.
NIFL Head of Marketing Neil Coleman added: "This is a sad day for the whole Irish League football family. Don was universally liked and respected amongst clubs, players and media.
"The biggest complement I can give him is that he has almost always just been defined as a 'gentleman' throughout everyone in football circles. Our thoughts are with Don's family, friends and Ballymena United at this sad time."
NI Football League CEO and former Cliftonville chairman Gerard Lawlor hailed Don as a "legend" of local football.
He said: "So sorry to receive the news of the passing of Don Stirling, a Gentleman of the highest nature and model administrator, a great loss not only to Ballymena United but the entire NI Football League. To his family, friends and all at BUFC our sincere condolences #Legend."
Larne defender and former Ballymena centre-half Albert Watson tweeted: "Absolutely devastated by this terrible news, Don Stirling was everything to Ballymena united and Ballymena united was everything to Don Stirling. The man epitomised everything good in the game, everything good in a human being. An absolute gentleman of the highest esteem."
Newry City AFC added: "Newry City AFC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ballymena Utd Vice Chairman Don Stirling. Our thoughts & prayers go out to Don’s family, friends and colleagues at Ballymena United. May Don rest in peace."
Harland and Wolff Welders said on Twitter: "Thoughts and Prayers are with everyone at Ballymena United and the family of Don Stirling at this sad time."
Meanwhile, Coleraine chairman Colin McKendry paid his own tribute on the Bannsiders' website, describing the 83-year-old as 'Mr Ballymena'.
He said: "I have known Don for all my life in senior football and he has always been Mr Ballymena to me.
“He was the man I always contacted when I needed to know anything and I’m absolutely devastated by his passing.
“He was one of football’s gentlemen who will be sadly missed by everyone within Irish League circles and beyond.
“The Board of Directors and I send our condolences to Don’s family and friends, as well as everyone connected with Ballymena United at this sad time.”
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