Passing of widely respected soccer refereeing supremo

THE death has taken place of William (Willie) Bradley, Caragh, Lisduff, Calry, and formerly of Wolfe Tone Street and St. Anne's Terrace, Sligo.

The deceased, a former soccer referee who held the post of Regional Referees Assessor with the FAI for many years, was widely known and respected in Mayo sporting circes.

He played for Castlebar Celtic FC in his youth and always enjoyed his regular visits to the county town where he met up with his old friends.

Indeed, he officiated a number of Connaught Cup finals staged in Mayo during the height of his refereeing career and was renowned for his incisive knowledge of the sport and his ability to let a game flow.

A man with an immense passion for soccer at all levels, news of his passing is widely mourned across the province.

He is survived by his wife Mai, daughters Jackie, Denise, Michelle, Simone and Nicole, sons Gary and Jason, step-daughters Sheenagh and Orlaith, brother Damian, in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and wide circle of friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

His remains are reposing at The Foley & Mc Gowan Funeral Home, Market Yard, Sligo, from 5 p.m. this evening (Wednesday) with removal at 7 p.m. to the Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception, arriving at 7:30 p.m.

Requiem Mass takes place on Thursday morning at 11.30 a.m. with burial afterwards in Sligo Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.