Tributes paid to a ‘gentle giant’ who was ‘top man’

Tributes paid to a ‘gentle giant’ who was ‘top man’

3 October 2012

THE local sporting community has united in grief over the violent death of a former Irish league player who is already being remembered as a “gentle giant.”

A murder enquiry has been launched following the death of soccer veteran and cricketer David Mills on Sunday. Mr. Mills, who was a decorator, died after being assaulted outside a take-away premises in Ballynahinch town centre in the early hours of the morning. He had been out with team mates from Drumaness Cricket Club to celebrate a crucial league victory the previous day.

The death of the 47 year-old man, who more recently lived in Seaforde, has sent shockwaves throughout the community and beyond.

Although he was well respected locally for his keen participation in cricket, Mr. Mills had achieved even wider acclaim as an Irish league footballer for Portadown and Glentoran with a fellow former player this week praising him as a “legend” among his peers.

Mr. Mills’ love for football was born when he played for Drumaness Mills FC’s youth team as a boy. Despite being enticed to Portadown as a young man, he maintained lifelong links with his home club, which he also managed for a spell.

The club’s secretary, Mr. George Gillespie, who knew David from childhood, said his presence on the sidelines would be sorely missed at the club, which he continued to wholeheartedly support following his own retirement.

“Although he did not play for Drumaness any more he came to all the matches and still supported the team and will be missed around the village because he always came to games and to the club afterwards,” he said.

“He loved sport and was a well known sportsman in both football and cricket, as well as being a good darts thrower.

“He was a bubbly character who was the life and soul of the party wherever he went. I have known him all my life and words cannot describe how sadly missed he will be by everyone.

“He was an absolute gentle giant.”

These were words echoed by Mr. Seamus Heath, chairman of the Northern Ireland veterans’ teams, of which Mr. Mills was a keen member.

Mr. Heath, who played against Mr. Mills at Irish league level in the 1980s and 1990s, said he was one of a handful of legends from that time.

“He was a talented and tough footballer in those days and would have been among the best,” he recalled.

“But for a big lad who could look after himself in the football field, he was a bit of a gentle giant off the field.

“He was a very funny man and left his mark everywhere, firstly by his presence on the field and secondly by his kindness and humour off the field.

“Sport breaks down barriers and the football family will be united in grief over his death.”

Mr. Brendan Gelston, honorary secretary of Drumaness Cricket Club, said the close knit community was devastated by Mr. Mills’ death and the impact it would have on his family.

Describing Mr. Mills as the “life and soul of the party”, he said it was a joy to be in his company.

Both chatty and bubbly, he said he was nonetheless strong minded about sport and committed to winning.

“He always voiced his opinion about sport and wanted to win, but off the field it was a joy to be in his company,” he said.

Mr. Gelston, who had known Mr. Mills throughout his life, said he was still very attached to the Drumaness community despite living in Dundrum and later Seaforde.

“We are all very shocked and sad to think something like this could happen to somebody like him,” he said.

Dundrum Cricket Club official, Jeff Maguire, has also paid tribute to Mr. Mills who played for Dundrum before moving to Drumaness.

“I hope his family can overcome their sadness and take comfort from all the great moments he provided everyone with, as a top bloke, father, sportsman, tradesman and as a great friend,” he said.

Mr. Mills is survived by his extended family circle including two children.