Daughter’s tribute to Dundee FC-mad dad who died suddenly.
Andy Birrell, a regular steward at both Dundee football clubs, died of a heart attack at his Douglas home. The daughter of a “die-hard” Dundee FC fan has paid homage to her father following his unexpected death. Andy Birrell, 62, died of a heart attack at his home in Douglas on June 2. Taylor Birrell describes her father as a “quiet and humble” individual who “cherished” his friends and family. He committed much of his life, including his home, to the Dark Blues. He was a regular steward for both Dundee football clubs, working for the security agency Safe-Tay. He was also heavily involved in event planning for the Douglas Community Centre.
Tribute to Dundee fan after sudden death
Taylor, 25, stated: “He was a die-hard Dundee fan. “He has artefacts throughout the house; it’s almost like a museum. “His residence is dedicated to two things: me and Dundee FC. Going back there without him is weird. “Every one of his buddies has told me stories about him.
“He continued to buy a Dundee season ticket every year, despite the fact that he worked as a steward and would not be sitting in the stand. “But he still bought it every year without fail.” Andy was born in Muirhead, Angus, and relocated to Dundee in 1998 after meeting Taylor’s mother, Alison Agnew. The couple had since separated but remained on good terms. Andy was also the grandfather to Taylor’s three children: six-year-old Violet Bray and one-year-old twins Harriet and Hudson Birrell.
Andy Birrell, a Dundee FC fan, ‘cared for pals as if they were family’
Taylor continued: “Dad’s pals were his chosen family. He was an only kid, and he looked after them like they were family. “He cherished people. Every time I went around town, he would say, ‘That’s my friend.’ “We were also getting really close. He was coming over for dinner with me and the kids. “It’s been 20 years since my mother and father split up, and he hasn’t said a nasty word about her.
“He claimed he couldn’t say anything negative because she gave him me. “You just don’t meet people who are like that.” Andy’s enthusiasm for Dundee FC was passed down by his father, John, whom Taylor never knew because he died before she was born. The 25-year-old stated, “The only time he shouted was at football games. “The only time I heard him shout was in the stands, and it was the loudest he’d ever gotten. “If something bothered him, he would simply walk away.
“I’ll never forget all of our amusing moments together. “One that stands out is that whenever we drove past the cemetery, he would say, ‘Everyone is dying to get in there.'” “We spent 11 years getting on the 28 bus with him telling that joke. “I now find myself repeating that to my partner. “interacting about him, as well as interacting with his friends, has been the most healing aspect of this. “I was his only child, but it wasn’t just me he left behind.” Andy’s buddy Graeme Adam has created a campaign to help Taylor and her family construct a lasting legacy to her father. Taylor hopes to get his name engraved on a brick at Dens Park.
Andy’s life will be celebrated on June 17 at the Black Watch Club on Arthurstone Terrace, where he used to play darts.
Read more on sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply