The football world is mourning the untimely passing of Michael Newberry, who died on December 30—his 27th birthday. The defender was well-loved, having played for both Cliftonville and Linfield, two prominent clubs in the Irish League, where he left behind countless memories and admiration among fans and teammates alike.
His death reverberated through the entire community, sending shockwaves among players and supporters. Tributes poured in as Cliftonville and Linfield paid respects before their Irish Cup matches on Saturday. The emotional weight of the loss was tangible, as teammates gathered to honor Newberry's memory.
A GoFundMe page was set up by Sharon Hands on Saturday to aid Newberry's family during this difficult time. The page has quickly raised over £3,000 within just 24 hours. The fundraising efforts will go toward covering funeral costs and easing the financial burden on Michael's grieving family.
According to the GoFundMe page, "On Monday 30th December 2024, on his 27th birthday, Michael Newberry tragically passed away in Newcastle. Michael was a professional footballer who played as a defender. He began his football career at Newcastle United, joining the academy from the age of 11 and was awarded the Wor Jackie Trophy in 2016, which made his family immensely proud. He then went on to play for Iceland with Víkingur Ólafsvík and in Northern Ireland with Linfield and Cliftonville, being a much-loved player and friend to many."
Michael's family, which includes his father Michael, mother Maureen, and siblings Adrian, Kayla, and Matthew, has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received. "Understandably, this has come as a huge shock to family and friends and not something anyone was prepared for, or ever imagined," the page states.
The tributes not only honored Newberry's athletic contributions but also highlighted his warm personality and positive spirit. He was known for his infectious smile, making people laugh, and being there for others—qualities cherished by all who knew him. This sentiment was echoed by his older brother, Adrian Newberry, who described his brother as "our superstar, who really was living the dream" as a professional footballer.
Adrian recalled the bond they shared, noting how Michael's connection with both Newcastle and Northern Ireland reflected his caring nature. "It's taken us by a whirlwind, but the support has been immense and overwhelming," he said, capturing the depth of the family's emotions during this hard time.
A minute's silence was held across various football venues in Northern Ireland on Saturday, paying respect not only to Newberry but to fellow football stalwart Adrian Teer, who also passed away recently. Cliftonville commemorated Michael with a special pre-match memorial ceremony before their Irish Cup victory against Banbridge Rangers. Similarly, Linfield organized tributes to honor Newberry's service, where he had lifted two Irish Premiership titles and one Irish Cup throughout his career.
Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton spoke candidly about the emotional impact Newberry’s death has had on the club. "It's very difficult to sum up, but more important is what the Newberry family is going through. We want to show them how much Michael meant to us and how much he was loved and cherished; we are all going to miss him greatly," Magilton said as he addressed the media after the emotional week.
Linfield manager David Healy also expressed heartfelt condolences to Michael's family. He referenced the moment when the news first broke, emphasizing how numb the team felt. "The least important thing was playing football and the results. It was about making the family aware of how much Michael meant to us all," Healy stated, which highlighted the unified spirit of the community during this heartbreaking loss.
The GoFundMe page aims to reach £6,500, which would significantly alleviate the financial strain on Newberry's family as they prepare for funeral arrangements. “Any donation, big or small, is massively appreciated and will be welcomed by the family,” urged Hands. With contributions flowing from all corners, the love and remembrance of Michael's impactful life continue to shine through.
Michael's legacy will certainly endure among those he played with, as well as the fans who admired his talent on the field. The warmth he radiated off the pitch—with kindness and humor—will hold special significance for his family and friends as they navigate this painful period of grief. Trainor also recounted, "What a great player. A great human being. The memory of a good boy lives on." These sentiments echo throughout the Irish League community, reflecting the shared love and heartache felt for the loss of Michael Newberry.