It is with great sadness that Larne Football Club has learned of the passing of Sandy Shields.
Sandy was a former player and manager at the club, enjoying a central role in some of the club’s most successful periods of the 20th century.
A fomer Youth and Junior International, Sandy was integeral to the Larne side who made Steel & Sons Cup final appearances an almost yearly event throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, likewise with lifting the ‘B Division’ league title.
As a player he wored the captain’s armband, leading some big names of the club’s history incuding Harry Rainey, Norman Conway, Robin Thompson, Armstrong Beckett and others. Sandy later returned to Inver Park as manager, helping to cement his legendary status as the club.
Current chairman Gareth Clements led the tribues, saying: “It is with profound sadness that I express my heartfelt grief at the passing of our legendary player, captain, and manager, Sander “Sandy” Shields.
“Though I never had the privilege of witnessing his brilliance on the pitch firsthand, the vivid stories shared by my family, fellow supporters, and his former teammates Jim Hagan and Harry Rainey painted a picture of a man who embodied both remarkable class and unwavering tenacity.
“When fate brought us together in Dromore in 2000, we forged an instant connection that blossomed into a friendship anchored in our shared passion for the local game. I cherished every moment spent listening to Sandy’s rich tapestry of memories about Larne Football Club—the nail-biting semi-finals, triumphant finals, and hard-fought victories that defined an era.
“One of my most treasured memories remains facilitating Sandy’s return to Inver Park during a special club anniversary, a day I know he held close to his heart. I deeply miss our conversations, our beers together, and our impromptu sing-songs that showcased yet another dimension of Sandy’s abundant talents.
“To his bereaved family, please know that the name Sandy Shields is permanently etched in the folklore of our club—his legacy will continue to inspire generations of Larne supporters and players alike. Though he may be gone from our sight, his spirit will live on in every match played at Inver Park.”
