A LEGEND of Furness football, Mike McParland Snr, has died. He was 79.

A member of the original Barrow Celtic Under-16s side in 1953 – which won the Barrow and District Junior Football League title at the first attempt – he was involved with the Newby Terrace club almost non-stop for more than 60 years.

A prolific striker, he is one of a select number of players to have scored 10 goals in a junior game for the club – against Roose – along with the likes of son Mike Jnr and Barrow Raiders RL man Max Wiper.

After his national service, Mike also had a spell with Barrow AFC, where he played for the reserves, though a broken leg ended his spell there, and he returned to Celtic following his recovery.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">over 50 years in all capacities possible. He was a true gent and family man and will be sorely missed by all. [2/3]</p>— Barrow Celtic (@BarrowCelticFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarrowCelticFC/status/881914876901416961">July 3, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

As well as being a player, he held numerous official positions with the Hoops at both junior and senior levels, leading many of the senior and youth sides, and recently serving as chairman.

Mike was one of three brothers to play for the club, along with Tommy and Frank, and sons Mike Jnr and Peter both followed in his footsteps.

Lifelong friend Dennis Boyd, who knew Mike Snr since they were four years old at Sacred Heart school, and who was part of the under-16s team with him, paid tribute to his fellow Celtic stalwart.

He said: “He was a terrific person, and a great family man.

“Mike was a brilliant sportsman, and as a footballer he was quick, fearless and a great goal-scorer. He was an inspirational player.

“He was as thorough a person behind the scenes, with paperwork and preparation, as anybody I have ever worked with. He was a good friend.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mike also played for Barrow AFC Reserves in the past.<br><br>Our thoughts are with all his family and friends. (2/2)</p>— Barrow A.F.C. (@BarrowAFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarrowAFC/status/882201616459452419">July 4, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A sad loss. Lovely man who has put more than a shift in with local foot. RIP Mike</p>— ian ally (@38wcr) <a href="https://twitter.com/38wcr/status/882196348962877440">July 4, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The official notice of his passing made note of his club links, and said: “The final whistle has blown for a stalwart of Barrow Celtic Football Club.”

In a statement on Twitter, Barrow Celtic said: “Last week the club lost one of its longest and greatest ever servants, Mike McParland Snr.

“Mike devoted his life to Barrow Celtic for over 50 years in all capacities possible. He was a true gent and family man and will be sorely missed by all.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A true local football legend. Our thoughts are with Mike, Peter & family <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash">#RIP</a></p>— Dalton United FC (@daltonutdfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/daltonutdfc/status/882194211612893185">July 4, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Please pass on our deepest condolences to Mike's family. A great man and a great servant to football. From all at Furness Cavaliers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mikemc?src=hash">#mikemc</a></p>— Furness Cavaliers (@FurnessCavsAFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FurnessCavsAFC/status/881981983529807872">July 3, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Celtic's under-sevens side will wear shirts bearing the McParland name in tribute next season.

Mike leaves behind wife Teresa, brother Tommy – himself a fine footballer for Celtic – children Margaret, Kathleen, and twins Michael and Peter, 11 grandchildren and great-grandson Harry.

A funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church, Barrow, on Friday, starting at noon.