The 1sts travelled to East Belfast and were very unlucky to come out losers in a seven goal thriller. Twice they led through goals from Ian McMullan but unfortunately a late brace of goals saw them denied a share of the spoils. A late penalty by David Kelly could not be bettered.
Players and club members are reminded that club memberships are now due and should be paid as soon as possible.
Everyone at the club would like to wish JJ Carlisle all the very best as he heads off to University in Portmouth.
It was good to see Alan Patterson visit the club this week and take in the Grove game.
Players are reminded that the memberships are due and should be paid as soon as possible.
Ballynahinch United’s pre season training commences this Saturday 28th June at Millbridge from 11.30am. It will continue each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday unless otherwise notified.
United play in the Northern Amateur Football League Division 1B. In addition to the present squad the club’s management team would be pleased to welcome any experienced players living in the area with Intermediate or Irish League experience who consider coming down. Equally they are particularly interested in encouraging any Junior league players who would like to take on the challenge of moving up to the next level.
The Annual Cup Final Fun game and barbecue will take place at the Millbridge this Saturday 17th May when many of the club’s senior and untried [at least since last year’s match] players will be donning the club colours for what should be a real spectacle.
It is understood that the respective team managers Colin Murray and Paul Allison are being inundated with offers from all quarters, but the big question is – will they all actually turn up?
Saturday 3rd of May saw Ballynahinch United hold their annual dinner and presentation of awards in the Primrose Bar, Ballynahinch. As usual there were a large number of committee, players and supporters in attendance.
Following a very enjoyable meal which was to the usual high standards of the Primrose Bar the Club Chairman Gilbert Cromie officially welcomed everyone. Summarising the past year the Chairman expressed his sadness that the Club’s Third team (Albion) had to withdraw from the league due to a shortage of players and it was his hope that it would be restored once again next season. He made particular mention of the outstanding work of the management teams of Keith Hamilton, Colin Murray, Davy Teggarty, Johnny McGreevy and Paul Allison and he paid tribute to the commitment of the players both at training and on the field of play.
He highlighted the vital work of the club officers and committee and very importantly the faithful supporters and sponsors who make such an important contribution. Special mention was made of the long-time contributions of senior club members Jimmy Brown and Winston Brown for all the hours they put in maintaining the facilities and faithful supporters Billy Hamilton and his wife Sally who never miss a home or most away matches with Sally providing sandwiches for all home fixtures which is much appreciated.
Turning to the club awards the Chairman congratulated and made a presentation to first team goalkeeper Bryan McMullan who has been included in the Northern Amateur League squad for the amateur International against their Scottish counterparts which took place at Killyleagh on Saturday 10th May.
The Chairman then invited the management teams to come forward and present the awards for the 2013/14 season which were as follows:
Ballynahinch Swifts
Player’s Player – Aaron McCaffrey and Alan Massey [shared]
Managers Player – Shaun Bonner
Leading Scorer – Aaron McCaffrey
Ballynahinch United
Player’s Player – Scott Brashaw
Managers Player – Scott Brashaw
Leading Scorer- Ian McMullan
Club Young Player of the Year – JJ Carlisle
A signed shirt was presented to the first team attendant Steven Jess who is standing down from the role due to family commitments although he will remain on the committee.
The very popular and much sought after Golden Boot award was introduced by club stalwart Wilson Hamilton and through numerous comic moments and false trails to both hint but keep the audience and recipient guessing to the last possible moment the winner was announced as Ross Hayes to rapturous applause.
