The chairman of Northwood FC says the world is “in a lesser place” since the death of the “integral” life president, Pat Byrne.

Ian Barry, who has stood as chairman of the club for 13 years, called Mr Byrne an “extraordinary” man who managed to revitalise the club when it was at a difficult place, and made it into the team it is today.

Mr Byrne, a former player and manager at the club, died last Saturday (April 25) at Watford General Hospital after he contracted Covid-19.

The life president was said to have been battling underlying health conditions long before contracting the virus.

He made his debut at the club in 1955 following his brother John and dedicated much of his life to the club including a recent refurbishment which he was a donor to.

Mr Barry described the life president as an “active man” who continued working until his 70’s at a car garage in Northwood.

He said: “I recall when I joined and he was backing us through some tough times, he’s supported every ground repair, maintenance, he was an absolutely incredible man and the world is in a lesser place without him.

“We continue because we have to, and he’d want us to.”

Hillingdon Times:

Pat Byrne in his younger years.

The chairman explained that Mr Byrne’s condition deteriorated quickly as he was rushed to hospital on Tuesday (April 21) when his symptoms worsened.

Just days after, the virus had overtaken him.

Mr Barry continued: “He was welcoming, everyone who met him says exactly the same. He was a gentleman, witty, chatty and loved the community.

“He touched a lot of people’s lives with his generosity and was an internal part of Northwood Central Club and other clubs.”

Thanks to the impact the Byrne family had on the club, the grounds at Chestnut Avenue previously established a stand called the ‘Byrne Stand’.

The grounds had recently gone through major refurbishment, which Mr Byrne was able to see for a few matches before the lockdown was implemented.

He explained: “We will pay tribute, he got the club to where it is today. There will be a permanent memorial for Pat somewhere.”

Hillingdon Times:

His partner Shamira (left) and Pat (right)

Mr Byrne was also known around the wider community in Northwood and surrounding areas, considering his various contributions such as being captain for the Northwood Town Cricket Club.

Cllr Duncan Flynn for Northwood Hills called it “very sad news for the local community in and around Northwood”

Bob Fisher, the chairman of Hanwell Town FC in Ealing, called the announcement “such desperately sad news”.

He said: “I guess I must have known Pat on and off the field for fifty years plus and can well remember the duels that HTFC had with him and his brother Paul.

“In more recent times, each time our respective clubs met we would meet up along with Shamira and chat about those days gone by.

“We would also meet up during the summer at our respective cricket clubs Ealing and Stanmore.

“Those days were always so special."