Sky Blue Trevor mourned by fans right across the Irish League

The entire Irish League fan '˜community' is mourning the death of a Ballymena man who epitomised the heart and soul of local football.
Trevor Burns had a lifelong association with Ballymena UNited. He is pictured here in the early 1980s with a young Michael Smith.Trevor Burns had a lifelong association with Ballymena UNited. He is pictured here in the early 1980s with a young Michael Smith.
Trevor Burns had a lifelong association with Ballymena UNited. He is pictured here in the early 1980s with a young Michael Smith.

Trevor Burns, who passed away on Wednesday, was first and foremost a true Sky Blue fan but he was also a staunch advocate of Irish League football and was known at every club in the league.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Trevor made his way to Seaview to see his beloved club lift the League Cup against Carrick Rangers and manager, David Jeffrey paid a very spcial tribute to him on the final whistle.

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He made his way right to Trevor and his family members to show them the trophy - up close and personal. It was a superb gesture which touched the hearts of fans across the country.

Lifelong BUFC fan - the late Trevor BurnsLifelong BUFC fan - the late Trevor Burns
Lifelong BUFC fan - the late Trevor Burns

David said: “A member of our first-team staff, David Douglas, previously alerted myself and my assistant, Bryan McLoughlin, to Trevor who has only missed something like two or three games in 58 years as a Ballymena fan.

“We went to see him a few weeks back and Trevor made it clear that, regardless of illness, he would be at the final.

“Trevor was at Seaview with his family and I was able to bring the trophy over to him after the match. We were proud to dedicate our win to him.” In a statement Ballymena United FC paid this glowing tribute: “It’s with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of life-long supporter Trevor Burns.

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“Trevor was a well known character amongst supporters throughout the Irish League, and different generations will have fond memories of him from over the years.

David Jeffrey with a few United fansDavid Jeffrey with a few United fans
David Jeffrey with a few United fans

“A former secretary of the Seven Towers Supporters Club, he was a true Sky Blue who rarely missed a game home or away, and most fittingly recently fought through his ill health with a steely determination to watch his beloved team lift the League Cup for the first time. A moment described by manager David Jeffrey as “truly heroic”.

“Trevor’s funeral is on Friday at 12.30pm from James Henry’s to Ballee cemetery. We hold the family in our hearts and extend our deepest sympathies at this sad time.”