Family are ‘overwhelmed’ with support from charity football match
By Maurice Garvey
THE family of recently deceased Declan ‘Deco’ Byrne were “overwhelmed” by local support for a football match held in his honour over the weekend.
Deco (46), a married father of three from Ballyfermot Avenue, passed away on April 13 after battling cancer for a year.
Colepark players hold a ‘We miss you Deco Love always’ banner
In 2015, his brother Alan (Budser) Byrne successfully donated a kidney to him on Fathers Day, but the family were hit with another devastating setback last year when Deco was diagnosed with a form of cancer.
The Deco Byrne XI v Colepark 35’s and a raffle in Chasers was set up by friends to support funeral costs, and it led to a big turnout at Cherry Orchard FC’s astro turf pitch on Saturday.
Posting a message on social media after the event, Suzanne Byrne, Deco’s wife, thanked everyone who “helped put a great day on for Deco.”
“We are overwhelmed by the response from everyone and how well Deco was loved in the local area, he made an impact on so many people. I know he was beaming with pride watching the whole of Ballyfermot coming together to put on such an amazing day and night, I can’t thank you all enough.”
Suzanne also thanked Deco’s friends for “all the hours of hard work and dedication it took to make this day so special.”
Byrne family members enjoying the match on Saturday in Elmdale
“From myself and my three children, we will be forever grateful.”
John O’Brien, one of the organisers of the match, said the people of Ballyfermot got together to “celebrate the life of a true gentleman.”
“Probably the best night Chasers has seen – roll on next year when we will do it all over again.”
Organisers hope to host the Deco Byrne Memorial Cup every year and raise funds for charity.
