Farewell to Alun Mummery – a true great of North Wales football

North Wales football is mourning the loss of a true giant of the game.

Alun Wyn Mummery, popularly known as Mr Llanfairpwll, has passed away at the age of 80.

Born on April 3, 1942, Alun was well-known and respected for his involvement in so many aspects of community life, but most of all for the many years he dedicated to local football.

His participation in the sport dated back to 1959, when he first became secretary of Llanfairpwll Football Club whilst a player until they disbanded in 1963.

Alun went on to work at Bangor City before returning as secretary of his home club in the 1980-81 season, having helped them reform in the early 1970s.

Over the years Alun was instrumental in ensuring Llanfairpwll won numerous fair play awards in all the leagues they have played in.

In 2012 came a major personal highlight when he won the prestigious Welsh Football Trust’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

A community councillor for more than half a century, he also served as a county councillor for Llanfairpwll, Menai Bridge, Star and Penmynydd.

He represented Plaid Cymru on Anglesey County Council’s Aethwy ward and was Portfolio Holder for Housing, including Community Safety.

A village man through and through, he also spent many years as a school governor.

In 2017, he was honoured by the Gorsedd of the Bards at the Anglesey National Eisteddfod.

He became an honorary Druid – Blue robe – for services to the nation.

However, for all his civic achievements, Alun was at his happiest when involved in football – as well as the card game Whist.

He served on numerous football league committees and is a life member of the former Cymru Alliance (now Cymru North).

Alun treasured countless fond memories of his time with Llanfairpwll FC, including winning back-to-back Anglesey League titles, being crowned Welsh Alliance champions twice, holding their own for several seasons in the Cymru Alliance and celebrating a famous Welsh Cup win at Kidderminster Harriers in 1986-87.

Eloquent, dry-witted and extremely welcoming, Alun Mummery was a Ynys Môn legend.

Always pleasant to work with, a mine of information, nothing ever too much trouble. I had known him for 35 years, since I first started covering local sport for the media and Llanfairpwll were one of North Wales’ top teams.

He told me not so long ago he enjoyed reading Grassroots North Wales as it revived a lot of good memories from days gone by.

Alun was excited about the progress being made by Llanfairpwll in North Wales Coast West Division One, especially the promise shown by the younger players.

A great man, everyone who ever met him will remember him. His passing will leave a hole in many lives, especially in his beloved Llanfairpwll and its football club.