Brian Sweenie: Tributes paid to Neilston groundsman

Born and bred in the village, Brian Sweenie passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 8.

As well as taking care of the ground, he served in various posts on the club’s committee through the years.

In doing so, he carried on the legacy of his father Jock Sweenie, who helped found the football team in 1945.

Brian raising of the league champions flag in August 2006

Mark Kirkland, who was the club secretary until recently, told the Barrhead News: “It is a sad loss for not only the football club, but Brian was my neighbour for years when I lived up in Neilston and a personal friend. We all looked up to him.

“He was up at the club almost every day. Tinkering about the park, cutting the grass, putting the goals up - that was Brian’s life. He was just a great guy.

“He was also there every week at games home and away.

“He knew everybody from the village, told you all of the stories about the old players and (would say) remember this and remember that? It was great listening to him.

“His death is a massive loss to the community, to his wife Ruth and to his two boys Brian and Paul.”

Players held a minute's silence in Brian's honour before their game at the weekend

A minute’s silence in honour of Brian was held before Neilston’s win over Rossvale at Brig O’Lea at the weekend.

Mark added: “On Thursday we are going to put the flag at half-mast as a mark of respect.

“The current committee will wear our colours, we will wear our Neilston Junior jackets.

“We are no longer Neilston Juniors, but Brian was a Juniors man. That was him born and bred. A true Farmer’s Boy.”

Brian's funeral mass will take place tomorrow (Thursday, August 18) at 10am at St Thomas' RC Church, in Neilston, and thereafter at Neilston Cemetery, arriving approximately at 11:15am.

There will be a funeral tea in Neilston Bowling Club from 11.30am.