Everyone at Glenafton Athletic was saddened to learn that Mary Dornan had passed away peacefully this morning. Mary has followed the Glens since the 1950s when her brother Danny McCulloch signed for his home town team and through time established himself as a Glenafton legend. She was not only Danny’s sister but also his biggest fan and it was thanks to Mary that Glenafton had access to her collection of photographs, newspaper clippings and a hoard of medals of her beloved brother.

Mary also made the papers in 1961, when following the Glens to face Dunbar United in the 5^th of the Scottish Junior Cup.

Sadly the great Glens side of the early 1960s just fell short of winnng the Holy Grail of Junior football, finishing runners-up to Irvine Meadow in 1962/63. However, Mary (& Danny) were at Firhill in 1992/93, 30 years later, to see her Sweet Afton defeat Tayport and lift the trophy for the first time.

Mary was also at Loch Park to cheer the Glens on to victory over Camelon in the Scottish Junior Cup semi-final in Season 2013/14(left) .

Although they lost out to Hurlford United in the final, like the rest of support she was proud of their achievement, the team having been rebuilt at the start of the season (right).

Glenafton next reached the Scottish Junior Cup final in 2016/17 and defeated Auchinleck Talbot at Rugby Park on their way to a treble winning season. The following week the newly refurbished Campbell Hall at Loch Park was opened and to mark the occasion the club initiated their ‘Hall of Fame’. Mary was delighted and very proud to learn that Danny ‘Puskas’ McCulloch and his goal-scoring team-mate Richard ‘Nodder’ Kirkpatrick were the first two inductees.

Although Mary had been unable to make the trip to the final at Rugby Park, both her and husband Patrick, were excited that the trophy paid them a visit to their welcoming home in Afton Bridgend. This was a very special year for a very special couple, who soon after celebrated 60 years of marriage.

A few years later both Mary and her brother Danny were residents in Bute House Care Home Cumnock and it was here, sadly that Danny passed away in May 2020. Mary’s devoted husband Patrick visited her every day, when he could, including through those difficult COVID times and restrictions.

Patrick aged 86, passed away only seven weeks ago and now he and his beloved Mary will rest in peace. together. Our thoughts are with Mary’s family and friends at this sad time.