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South Wales Argus
27-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool footballer ‘liked by everyone' celebrated in memorial match
19-year-old Tristan O'Keefe sadly passed away on Wednesday, June 11. An integral part of the Pontypool side, he played over 100 games for the club and was a huge part in their undefeated league campaign that led them to promotion to the Gwent Premier League. Now the club is holding a memorial match to celebrate his life and help raise funds for Tristan's funeral. Tristan O'Keefe who sadly passed away Wednesday June 11 (Image: Harry Furness) Harry Furness was Tristan's Coach at Pontnewynydd AFC. Speaking of his former player Harry said: 'He was genuinely a nice boy and liked by everyone no one had any issues with him. 'A happy memory we all share of Tristan is when he scored the winning goal against New Inn in our title winning season. 'We were losing two nil and Tristan scored which was a massive step in an undefeated season.' The winning match in which Tristan scored the final goal (Image: Harry Furness) Harry explained how the memorial match would be special. He told the Argus: 'We are trying to celebrate him rather than be down in the dumps and remember all the good things. 'There's going to be a minute's silence before the match and a stop at the 19th minute for an audience applause. 'We've added a tribute to him on our new football kit for this season that's got his name on one of the sleeves. 'An away kit is being presented to Tristan's family before the match and a home kit has been framed at the club.' Coach Harry Furness with Pontnewynydd AFC Tristan's teammates (Image: Harry Furness) A statement from the club reads: 'Pontnewynydd AFC will be holding a special memorial match in honour of our beloved teammate and friend, Tristan O'Keefe, who tragically passed away on June 11th. 'This match is not only a tribute to Tristan's memory, but also an opportunity to come together as a community and raise funds to support his family through Tristan's GoFundMe, helping them with funeral costs during this incredibly difficult time. 'Friends, family, and members of the community are warmly invited to come along, share memories, and help us celebrate Tristan's life.' The match will take place this Saturday, June 28. With kick-off at 2:00 pm.
South Wales Argus
14-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Balloons fly as hundreds honour Tristan O'Keefe at Pontypool memorial
The memorial was marked by a balloon release as family, friends, teammates, and members of the Pontypool community came together to remember the young player. Attendees stood in silence before releasing balloons into the sky, in a powerful visual tribute to a life lost too soon. Tristan was a key player for Pontnewynydd AFC, making over 100 appearances for the club. He played a central role in the team's undefeated season that saw them promoted to the Gwent Premier League. 'Tristan was a gentle soul that was loved by everyone. He was always smiling and brought happiness to everyone around him. We have retired the number 3", said Harry Furness his coach. In his memory, the club has retired the number 3 shirt, which will be framed and placed in the changing rooms as a permanent tribute. A statement from Pontnewynydd AFC described him as 'a kind and humble young man who brought energy, joy, and strength to everyone around him.' A memorial match has also been organised for Saturday, 28 June, at The Ruffets, home of Pontnewynydd AFC (NP4 8HR). Former players, including those who were part of the club's league-winning side, will take part. A minimum donation of £10 per player will go towards supporting Tristan's family. A GoFundMe campaign, launched by Tia Hicks to help with funeral costs, has already raised over £5,000. The club said: 'We will never forget you, Tristan. You will always be a part of Pontnewynydd AFC. Forever 19. Forever our Number 3.'
