Sunday 15th January 2017
IT was a poignant moment for me — as it was for many others — when Kai Lennon was one of the two mascots who led out Dumbarton at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium on Saturday.
Only a few weeks after Gordon Lennon led the Sons side to the third division title in season 2008-9, the popular defender and skipper lost his life when he was electrocuted while on an off-road driving trip near Dingwall.
It was a devastating time for the family, the club, the team and the fans. Tributes galore poured in, and his coffin was brought to the stadium on the way to the funeral.
Kai Lennon comes on to the pitch with Garry Fleming.
It had all been so different a few weeks earlier when everyone celebrated at the stadium and the trophy was paraded. Just before the fun ended, Gordon asked me to take a picture of him, mum Kelly, baby Kai and the trophy.
The memories flooded back on Saturday as the Lennon family — led by Gordon’s father and mother — arrived in force to see Kai lead out the team against Hibs.
It was a birthday treat arranged by Kai’s stepdad John Sherry and his lifelong friend, Sons manager Stevie Aitken, who had attended the wedding of John and Kelly two years ago.
Now the youngster is following in dad’s footsteps by playing boys football with Johnstone Burgh.
Baby Kai with dad and mum Gordon and Kelly and the third division trophy.
Donald Fullarton