RIP John Byrne - 1938-2011

We are deeply saddened to learn of the recent death of the deputy mayor of Bury, John Byrne, at the age of 73. Councillor Byrne, a Labour representative of Bury council since 1984, was also a keen amateur sportsman, and represented Tottington St Johns Cricket Club among others. Following the recent death of the much loved former Saints player and league umpire Gordon Wood, this is another incredibly sad piece of news.

The former Bury mayor was of course a passionate follower of Bury FC, and there was a well-observed minutes silence at the recent game with Walsall.

Tottington Sports Club President and Bury North MP David Nuttall commented: "I always found John very easy to chat to and we shared a common interest in cricket and football and whilst we may have disagreed about the political means of improving the lot of people there is no doubt he was committed to doing all he could to try and help the residents he served with such distinction. My thoughts and prayers are with his widow Brenda and his family."

Full story is available on the Bury Times website at http://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/9454064.Tributes_to____amazing_servant_to_the_borough___/.

RIP John Byrne