I grew up and went to school with John, listened to music, went fishing and then grew up. some more in the local pubs. I have no doubt he leaves many sad hearts including mine and I know he will be missed with his passing. Much sympathy to Margaret and Sheila and all of his many friends.
Saturday 05 August 2023
Eugene Magill, Cornwall
John was a good friend who will be sadly missed by his cycling friends.
Sincere condolences to his sisters and family circle.
Wednesday 02 August 2023
John McConnell.
John was a gentleman!Good friend off the family,
Ours is just a simple prayer,
God Bless and keep you in His care.
Monday 31 July 2023
Tanya & Barry mcdowell
John was there on my first Phoenix club run over 35 years ago. We would ride home together at the end of each session as we lived within a mile of each other. At that stage he was an established and very popular club member and he would regale me with yarns from the club’s ‘away’ club trips to Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan etc. Soon we started to train together after work and to race together. Neither of us had much success in races but we became relatively competent time trialists. We took our TTs seriously and hated being beaten by each other. This led to much banter in the car afterwards as we travelled home together. We would dissect every segment of the course and try to work out where we had lost or gained time. We used to socialise in the Hatfield on lower Ormeau, never missing traditional music sessions on Sunday nights. John got his nickname ‘Concerned Resident’ from this period. He was a valued member of the club and in the thick of it at all the club functions.
He eventually moved away from Ormeau to Lisburn and we slowly lost regular contact as a result. But, irrespective of how infrequently we met, we carried on as if we’d last seen each other yesterday. Not long after moving to Lisburn his health started to deteriorate and he had to give up cycling. In later times he suffered terribly from a number of conditions that eventually led to his death. So we say goodbye to a great friend and very popular Phoenix rider who was loved by all those he came into contact with and will be missed by all those who knew him.
Sunday 30 July 2023
Brendan McCartan
Sad news. John's long battle with Crohns and associated illnesses is over. John was one of life's good guys, decent, honest, sincere, talented and great company. Taken too soon. He will be missed and remembered. Sincere condolences to his sisters and family circle.
Saturday 29 July 2023
Jimmy McKeown