Mourners at the funeral of Cliftonville FC footballer Michael Newberry have heard how he was the “most kind-hearted and truly amazing person”.
Paying tribute, his sister Michaela told the service in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne on Thursday of how she would “miss his beautiful smile”.
A chaplain from Cliftonville FC, David Burke, also told mourners of the “gratitude” felt by many who had the “absolute privilege of knowing him”.
Michael died suddenly on December 30, on his 27th birthday.
Representatives from Cliftonville and Linfield, the two Irish League clubs Michael represented across his playing career, were among family and friends who attended the service in his hometown.
While mourners attended his funeral in England, fans also visited Windsor Park after Linfield opened the ground to allow supporters to leave personal tributes in memory of the player.
The club has said Windsor Park would be “a place of reflection and remembrance”.
Thank you to everyone who has visited Windsor Park so far today. Tributes can now be left in the dugout until 7️⃣pm this evening 💙 #AFJ
Posted by Linfield Football Club (Official) on Thursday 16 January 2025
“In honour of his contributions to the club and the community, we invite supporters to join us in celebrating his life,” the club said.
As a mark of respect, the club designated the home dugout as a space for fans to leave flowers and personal tributes.
“This gesture reflects Michael’s profound friendships within the team and his endearing connection to the club.”
Cliftonville FC chaplain Mr Burke, who conducted the funeral service, told mourners of the devastation felt following Michael’s death.
“There is awful pain and grief that Michael is no longer with us,” he said.
“There is shock and disbelief that we’re actually standing here at Michael’s funeral service, there is confusion and even anger at his tragic loss.
“And yet, next to all of these, there is gratitude, there is a real sense of thankfulness for Michael’s life.
“For the fact that we had the absolute privilege of knowing him.
“There is joy of so many precious memories of Michael and there is pride in all the things he achieved.
“Michael was not defined by being a footballer, he was so much more. He was a loyal friend, beloved son and caring and protective brother.”
Michael’s brother Adrian paid tribute in a poem, while his sister Michaela told mourners of how he “was and will always be our pride and joy”.
“A part of us will always be missing as he was the most kind-hearted and truly amazing person and will forever be missed,” she said.
“He had a sense of humour that was unmatched, and I will miss him having us laugh until we cried.
“Most importantly, I will miss his beautiful smile.
“I hope he shines down on us as bright as he did when he was with us.”