MOURNERS gathered to remember the life of an “avid” Newport County AFC fan today.

Stuart Fitzgerald, aged 79, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 25.

Mr Fitzgerald, of Jeddo Close, in the Pill area of Newport, followed Newport County “in all weathers” and his support has been described as “second to none” by the club itself.

Cousin Marilyn Dyke described him as a “lovely human being”.

“He had a a great sense of humour and was a family man who was always close to his family,” she said. “He will be sadly missed by everyone.”

She added that Mr Fitzgerald was an “avid” Newport County fan who had followed them for many years.

Mr Fitzgerald, who was married to Debbie, was a dad of three and a grandad of three.

In the service, held at the Gwent Crematorium Chapel, in Cwmbran, father Michael McCarthy, said: “He spent some time in the army, where he met Debbie. Whatever work he did, there was always driving involved.”

He said that Mr Fitzgerald, who was a heavy goods driver for more than 30 years, also loved snooker and darts.

“Anything that involved a ball, Stuart really loved,” he said.

Donations made at the funeral will be given to Newport County AFC.

A spokeswoman for the club said: “We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of County supporter Stuart Fitzgerald. His support for the club over the years has been second to none. His family’s decision to offer the donations from his funeral to Newport County AFC is a wonderful gesture and demonstrates further Mr Fitzgerald’s incredible support for the club.”