Robert McNidder Fearnehough (Mac)  
14/01/1937 – 28/09/2024
 

Some of you will have already heard the sad news that Mac Fearnehough, chair of the trustees of Abbeydale Sports Club Ltd. died in hospital on Saturday 28th September.
His funeral will be held at 14.15 on Friday Nov 1st at Fulwood Church and afterwards at the family home in Holmesfield.
 
At the end of August Mac was admitted to hospital with a high temperature and infection, and was subsequently diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. Due to complications and the harshness of the treatment he and family decided to cease treatment a few days before he died. Mac had all the family around for the last few days of his life, and spoke fondly of all the friends, family and colleagues he had the pleasure of being associated with throughout his life. He took great strength in his faith and had no fear whatsoever.
 
Abbeydale Sport Club was important to him, not just for historic family reasons, but also the Clubs importance in Sheffield for amateur sport, youth sport, and the diversity of sports available. He believed very much in the social side of sport and the many generations of lasting friendships that the club has delivered for over 100 years.
 
It was for these reasons that in 1995 he was one of the majority shareholders who were instrumental in the formation of The ASCL Share Trust. In effect to remove any share value in “Abbeydale sports Club Ltd”. A company with significant real estate assets, thus removing any temptation to sell and threaten the future of the Club. Thankfully the majority of all other shareholders also donated their shares to the trust resulting in the trust now holding the vast majority of the shares. He was a pleasure for the board and his fellow trustees to work with. His son Alistair has taken on his role as chairman of the trustees.
 
While at times the club throws up challenges and disappointing results the clubs independence, not for profit nature and a place where people can have fun and get together, is one that the volunteers, members, management, and trustees all share and will endeavour to improve on and continue.