Tributes flood in to Heys manager Adie

A MASS of tributes have poured in to honour Prestwich Heys football manager Adie Moran, who died in a tragic accident last week.

Messages have come from all sectors of the community - those who knew him through sport, his work or socially.

Adie's mum Hilda said: "He was such a breath of fresh air - a son any parent would be proud of. He was loved by everyone and will never be forgotten.

Adie, 43, died after diving into a swimming pool at the Negombo resort in Sri Lanka where he and his girlfriend Pat Keiller were staying on holiday.

Pat said he hit his head on a lip in the pool, which led to the deep end, and knocked himself unconscious.

"He was taken to hospital where he was sitting up on a trolley and talking to me, but then his condition deteriorated. We don't know at this stage what exactly caused his death," she said. "We had got engaged just three hours before it happened. We just crammed so much into our time together and I'm glad we got the chance to have such a fantastic holiday with one another."

Adie, who has a 17-year-old son Tom, is the son of Hilda and Pat Moran, and has two brothers Mike and John.

His mum added: "Tom has lost a wonderful father and he will carry on his legacy."

Younger brother John said: "I looked up to Adie. He was my idol, and the life and soul of the party.

"The support everyone has given our family has been superb, and I'd like to think people will pull together and carry on his dream for the club to play in the North West Counties League and in the FA Cup."

Adie's body was flown back to Manchester yesterday but no firm date for the funeral has yet been arranged, although it will be held at the Servites Church on Bury New Road, Prestwich, followed by burial at Agecroft Cemetery.

Full details of the funeral will be on the Guide's website as soon as they are released.

Adie was educated at St Philips RC Primary in Cavendish Road before moving to Parrenthorn High School.

He then studied to be a chef at Bury College where he left at the age of 18 with his qualifications and took up a post at the famous Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland.

He travelled extensively in his job, taking up posts in Saudi Arabia, and on one occasion he prepared a meal for King Hussain.

He had worked for the last eight years with potato product firm Lamb Weston, where he was national accounts manager.

Adie, who was living in Woodlands Chase, Radcliffe, had played for several semi-professional clubs, such as Radcliffe Boro, Glossop and Flixton, as well as a host of Sunday league teams during his footballing career.

He became manager of Prestwich Heys, for whom he had also previously played, around six years ago and later became club chairman.

He had led the team to three successive Manchester Amateur League titles, and was on the verge of elevating the club to North West Counties status after being the driving force behind a series of improvements to the Sandgate Road ground.

Long-standing friend Mike Openshaw, secretary of Prestwich Heys, said: "He was one of life's true characters - an absolute diamond - his heart was always in the right place with everyone. He was a great friend and will be sadly missed by so many people."

John Hunter, who came to the club as coach under Adie's leadership, said: "Adie's passion for football was unbelievable. He was such a lively, lovable character, and I could not have asked for a more loyal friend.

"I don't know anyone who disliked him or did not respect him. We know what his dreams for the club were, and we want to carry that through."

The funeral service for Adie took place at 11am on Friday July 13th. It was held at Our Lady of Dolores, Servites Church on Bury New Road, Kersal.

The mass was followed by a private family burial at Agecroft with a reception aftwerwards at the Fairways Hotel (formerly the Village) in nearby George Street, Prestwich.

Family flowers only had been requested, but if people so wish, donations can still be made to Prestwich Heys FC.

Adie was received into the church at 7pm on Thursday July 12th, when a short service was held.

If you would like to leave a message for Adie's family and friends then please do so by scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Many Thanks
Prestwich Heys AFC

Comments (319)

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written by nick kingston , June 28, 2007

Times like this words are not enough,But to pay my respect.

My friend
written by Greg Ashman , June 28, 2007

This news has hit me very hard.
I met Adie when we both joined Lambweston at roughly the same time some years ago.
To say we 'hit it off' was an understatement and he became an important part of my life.
He was always there for me...always.
There are far too many amusing stories to recount when discussing Adie but perhaps this is not the forum to do so.
i will always remember how he helped me through my marriage break up when at the time i found it hard to find a friend to support me.
Life for me will never be the same.

League Secretary.
written by Phil Platt , June 28, 2007

On behalf of the Management Committee and All members of the Manchester Football League, we send our heartfelt sympathy, to Adie's family and friends, and also members of Prestwich Heys Football Club, at this very sad time. Adie worked tirelessly to promote the Club in all aspects, and he will be greatly missed by all those in amateur football throughout this area.

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written by John B , June 28, 2007

From all at Royton Town, we pass on our sympathy to Adie's family.
The football field will be a quieter place without Adie.
Rest in peace.

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written by STEPHEN HOWARD , June 28, 2007

My condolences to Adie's family at this sad time.

I can only endorse the comments made here already. Adie truly was a great person to know. Full of endless enthusiasm for football and life in general, he always had time for everyone, nothing was too much trouble. As a player and manager his record speaks for itself - he is a Heys legend but most of all we have all lost a great friend.

Steve Howard

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written by Leigh Athletic FC , June 28, 2007

On behalf of all at Leigh Athletic, may we pass on our condolances to first and foremost Aidies family and also all his friends at Prestwich.

God Bless.

The loss of a true gem.
written by Gordon Blackshaw , June 28, 2007

I met Adie a few years ago at a trade show in Harlech, we hit it off and always had the crack, winding everyone up every time we met, a tragic loss of a real shock, my heart felt sympathy to his family and many friends.
God Bless Mate.

Gordon Blackshaw

Privileged to have known you Adie and to have regarded you as a friend
written by Matt and John Edgington , June 28, 2007

My thoughts are with those closest to Adie at this dreadful time.
Adie was one of lifes gentlemen and I know that apart from the devastation that his family and friends and all at Heys will be feeling there are many many others who will miss his friendly face and wicked sense of humour. I for one was always pleased to bump into him at any time and it with great sadness that I am posting this message. A true football enthusiast and always willing to listen. Thank you Adie for being the man that you were.

We will miss you Adie Moran. Rest in Peace young man

Peoples Champion
written by Gavin , June 28, 2007

A larger than life character who will be irreplacable and sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy to all his family. Until we meet again pal.

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written by Andy Brown , June 28, 2007

It is with great shock I write this comment.

Having played against Adie, when he was a tough tackling no nonsense and midfield player, then came up against his brilliant Prestwich side as manager of Monton, I can only say what a lovely guy Adie was. He was an obvious winner in every sense of the word, and he will be sadly missed.

My heart goes out to his family and close and friends.

God Bless.

Andy Brown
( Former manager Monton Amateurs )

Goldline Trophy Committee
written by Andy Whittle , June 28, 2007

Adie was a true giant in local football and will be sadly missed by all who knew him, our condolences go out to his family.
We at the Goldline knew Adie as a fierce but fair competitor in all things and he will be greatly missed by us all, as we also considered him a very good friend and supporter of the Competition.
It is our intention to make sure his memory lives on.

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written by ian hardman , June 28, 2007

i knew aide since we were about 8 or 9,we had a lot of the same friends and very occasionaly played football,occasionally because he was a million times better than me, we both went to work in the same industry for potato manufacturers and would meet up at shows now and then and have a few{well alot} of drinks and did the same the odd time i went to watch heys.he was a genuinely nice guy who made everyone he met feel better for knowing him.

Goodbye dear friend
written by John Catlow , June 28, 2007

Reading these messages from people who knew Adie along with the memories has brought me to tears again today.
I will miss you Adrian and just wish that our time together had been longer, much longer.
My sympathy goes out to all Adies family and friends especially to his son Tom.

a great person with a huge character
written by darren handley , June 28, 2007

Adie was always on the receiveing end of my refereeing decissions and there have been many occasions that we had had a passing word or two during a game. We always joked that when i came to referee he said it would be the end of their cup run this year!! well that changed a couple of years ago in the Goldline. Off the pitch a great character always had time to speak to anybody relating to anything and a person who will be sadly missed not only by his family but also all those connected to the club.
May god take care of one our remarkable friends of football.
Rest in peace.

My Uncle!!
written by Georgina Moran , June 28, 2007

well what can i say about my uncle ady,
i remember when i was little and i used to go to nan and grandads and ady was there he always used to take the mick out of me and used to make me laugh, when i heard the news today i was so shocked at what happened i didnt think it was true not my uncle ady. Everyones distraught with adys death and he will be sadly missed so much. Life will never be the same for me again and also all my family. rest in peace i will miss you lots xxxxxxxx

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written by lee , June 28, 2007

what a mate,i am crying now but i know your up there gointg stupid because i am.you made an impct on my life MORAN. god bless you and look over you pal..

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written by Pat Boyle , June 28, 2007

A sad loss to his family and friends.
I have many good memories of Adie, hard to believe thats all they are now.


RIP

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written by Danny Johnson , June 28, 2007

It has been a pleasure knowing Adie Moran for the past 6 or 7 years. He was a real football man in every sense of the word and will be sadly missed by everyone. My sincere condolances to all Adie's family, friends and all at his beloved Prestwich Heys Football Club. You were a true gent Adie and I am proud to have called you a friend. Rest in piece mate. Danny Johnson

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written by jason duki town , June 28, 2007

from all at Dukinfield Town, god bless mr moran, god bless pal

An Inspiration To All !!
written by Matt Cook , June 28, 2007

Didn't know you for long but you had a big impact on the way i approached the game of football, it was a pleasure to have known you, you will be dearly missed by all adie..... we will never forget you.

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