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After suddenly passing away on his 40th birthday, the people of Caerphilly have come out in force to share their memories and pay their respects to local legend, Andrew Gomer.
Andrew, or ‘Gomer’ as he was better known, was a ‘larger than life personality’, and “loved by all” according to his close friends.
A passionate sportsman, Gomer played football for several clubs over the course of his career, including Trethomas Bluebirds, Machen, and Aber Valley.
He could often be found watching matches across Caerphilly, and signed for Aber Valley veteran’s side on the day of his passing, Thursday March 28.
The father of three from Graig y Rhacca was also a keen pool player, and played at a county level for Caerphilly – bringing “laughs and a booming loud voice” all over south Wales, according to friend and teammate Stephen Evans.
Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Stephen said: “It’s been such a tough one to take. I knew him in Penyrheol before he moved back to Graig y Rhacca, but we’ve been playing pool together for years.”
Stephen, who runs Caerphilly Pool League, said how Gomer played in the Ruperra before moving to play in the Wonky Bar in Bedwas.
“Me and him were the two loudest in the team I’d say. He was like a dad to the group, always telling the boys to behave themselves. Everyone knew him wherever we went.
“He was a massive personality, and it’s been so lovely to see all the messages. The weekend before his birthday, we were out in Cardiff celebrating with our partners, they all loved him too.”
Caerphilly County captain Lee Loftus added: “Andrew first started playing against us in the Caerphilly pool league. He wasn’t the most flamboyant player, but wow did he have a flamboyant personality. You would hear Andrew as soon as he entered any pool venue in Caerphilly.
“He was a character that had character. He had sheer grit determination, to beat this fella you would have to play well.
“He wouldn’t give up, or give you anything. He tried his best on every shot he played. Andrew was a must for our county side.
“Straight away Andrew was a natural fit, he embraced the loud and proud team camaraderie we had, he played with us for years all over Wales.
“He was the first name on the team sheet and I can’t believe we won’t write his name again.”
Caerphilly Pool League is hoping to arrange a charity match against Wales’ A side in the near future to raise money for Gomer’s family.
Fellow pool teammate and barber Andrew West also spoke to Caerphilly Observer about the “devastating” news. He said: “I cut his hair the morning of his birthday and was supposed to go out with him that night.
“I’m just devastated honestly. He had so many friends and we’re all going to miss him.”
Andrew’s barbers in Trethomas will host a day of free haircuts on Friday April 12 in memory of Gomer, with music and a raffle at the shop on Llanfabon Drive – with all donations going to his family.
- Visit Wests Club on Facebook for more information.
When it came to football, Gomer played for several clubs, including Aber Valley FC. Dean Wood was first team manager at the time, and said: “I think Gomer was here around 2018 and he was great with us.
“He was good with the youngsters and generally created a great atmosphere in and around the club. He was an all-round great guy.
“It was a shame when we lost him to Trethomas, but he still wished us well every weekend. I played with him myself at Taffs Well and some Sunday league matches.”
Bluebirds manager Mark Dunford also paid tribute to Gomer, and said: “A true football addict who lived his life through the game. An integral part of our management staff right at the start of the journey. Most of all a top, top bloke who breathed life into any environment that he found himself in.”
As well as the Bluebirds pausing on Saturday to remember Gomer, dozens of clubs from across south Wales did the same, and many more took to social media to pay their respects.
Gomer’s partner of 22 years, Dawn Canfield-Gomer, spoke to Caerphilly Observer about the “legacy” he has left behind: “We had our ups and downs but he was always happiest at home with his Dawnie and family, when he wasn’t playing sports…
“It was an ongoing joke that he wasn’t allowed out, but you don’t get a social network that big by staying in”, Dawn added.
“His three children, Dylan, Aaron, and Abbie-Leigh are his legacy, and even though he’s gone, a part of him lives in them all.”
There are currently two GoFundMe pages set up to support Gomer’s family. These are:
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