TRIBUTES have been paid to a Kilwinning stalwart who passed away last week.

Dirrans Athletic club secretary David Faddes died unexpectedly on January 17.

Known as ‘Davie’, he was a firm fixture at his beloved Dirrens AFC and a well kent face around Kilwinning.

A spokesman from Kilwinning Community Sport Club, where Dirrans AFC play their home games, said life at the club “wouldn’t be the same without him”.

He said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends and with all involved at one of our founding teams, Dirrans Athletic AFC on the sad and unexpected news of passing of Club Secretary Davie Faddes.

“Davies unwavering commitment to his beloved Dirrans and by association, the Sports Club, can not be understated, he has played a huge part in both over the years, and is a major factor why both prevail while others have fallen by the wayside.

“Rest in peace Davie, the place will not be the same without you.”

A spokesperson for Dirrans AFC said: “The club lost one of the most important people in it’s long history today with the news of Davy Faddes’ passing.

“In 1982 Davy joined his brother-in-law Jim MacDonald, the then Dirrans Manager, on to the club’s committee. He took over as the club secretary in 1984 a role which he continued into the present day. He remained loyal to the club despite it’s numerous ups and downs through the leagues and you could count on one hand the number of Dirrans games he has missed over his 38 year association.

“Always cheery he was a great ambassador for our club. Some might say that he had a loud voice and legend has it that his shouts at the side of the park at the club’s new home, Kilwinning Sports Club, travelled all the way to the Dirrans Park on a Saturday afternoon. In 2016 when the club won both the James Scott Memorial Trophy and Donsport Trophy, Davy bubbled on the pitch – possibly the first time I remember him being lost for words.

“Davy had a spell as the Vice President of Ayrshire Amateur Football Association at the turn of the century and his devotion to his beloved Dirrans was recognised in 2017 when the AAFA awarded him Honorary Life Membership. Davy was well respected throughout the Association and only recently his integrity as a Linesman was acknowledged by the Ayrshire Referees Association at a Respect the Ref meeting.

“That was Davy, an honest, hardworking, genuine man who loved the camaraderie of Dirrans Athletic AFC. Condolences to his wife Janice, daughter Kerry, her partner Craig and his granddaughter Leah. Also to his father and five brothers and their families.”

Times sports reporter, Stewart McConnell, said: “I have known David for close on 25 years and always found him to be so helpful and a fount of knowledge on the amateur football game. I spoke to him when he was honoured with Ayrshire AFA Life Membership that was really deserved as he was a football legend.

He contributed match reports, by phone in the old days and email latterly and would send in reports from Dirrans Athletic success in the Donnie McMamus Memorial Trophy, of which there were many.

“He loved life and had a great sense of humour, I remember joking with him many a time. We chatted only a couple of weeks ago and he was in great form.”