Tommy McIlroy
Very sadly, once again, Lisburn Distillery Football Club announces the passing of another former player, and friend, midfielder Tommy McIlroy.
It was with deep shock that we heard the bad news late on Thursday night – the news was unexpected, but Tommy has left us much too early, having turned just 50 earlier this year.
Tommy was a “big” signing for us back in the summer of 1996 in what would be manager Paul Kirk’s first full season in charge. And “The Gaffer” was delighted to welcome him and his fellow former Linfield colleague Peter Crothers to New Grosvenor.
Tommy had a successful time with Linfield before joining us, indeed he once netted a memorable hat-trick against us, and he was a former Northern Ireland Under 21 international ( a substitute appearance against Romania in 1994).
After making his debut on 24th August 1996 (against Linfield at Windsor Park), he would go on to play for four seasons here at “The Whites”. Lively, and at times tough-tackling, in the centre of the park, he was unfortunate to pick up a number of injuries with us.
He did however play his part in the Ulster Cup, and First Division Championship successes in the 1998/99 season and netted 8 goals in his 109 appearances for us before his last game in March 2000.
Our thoughts and sympathies are very much with Tommy’s family and friends at this very difficult time, and in the days ahead.
