Paul McKiernan 1959 – 2026
Very sadly Paul died peacefully on 9.6.26, following a period of treatment for cancer, just a few days short of his 67th birthday.
‘A Leader, Gent and Generous Man’
Paul joined Alexandra Park in 1981 and went onto play both Football and Cricket for APFC and APCC respectively. He played 1st/2nd XI Football as a commanding …physically and verbally !…ball playing centre back, and 2nd/3rd XI Cricket as a respected wicketkeeper. As he neared the end of his football playing career, be became Chair of the Alexandra Park Football Club in the late 1980’s and went onto serve the club admirably well into the 1990’s. He led by example, both on and off the pitch, was prepared to challenge the status quo, and nurtured improvement in both playing standards and volunteering across the club…with the odd bit of gentle persuasion !.
Paul was also a bit of an all round sportsman, having also played Tennis for Our Lady of Muswell LTC, together with Table Tennis at Lloyds (Register of Shipping).
Paul went onto to join Crouch End Vampires in the late 1990’s and managed their 1st XI leading them to the AFA Senior Cup Final in 2000, of which he was extremely proud. This experience clearly gave him both the foundation and appetite to go on to manage the SAL Representative XI, and particularly enjoyed his trips abroad with a successful team.
Whilst Paul moved to Wiltshire with his lovely wife Jan in the early 2000’s, he drew upon his extensive grassroots experience and took on a number of roles with both the SAL and AFA, where he became a highly respected and loved senior figure. He could often be found providing valuable advice from the sidelines, together with generous purchases from the bar !, at clubs right across London…he just loved donning the AFA jacket and tie, which he wore with immense pride.
Certainly a larger than life character, and a very close and loyal friend, who will be sorely missed.
Paul will be buried in a private ceremony near his home close to Salisbury, and friends/colleagues are welcome to make charitable donations at www.chriswhitefunerals.co.uk
RIP Paul
John Morris