Colin Murray has resigned as Assistant Manager of the 1st team to take on a similar role with Killyleagh YC.
Everyone at the club would like to express their sincere thanks to Colin for all the years hard work and enthusiasm he gave to Ballynahinch United. We wish him well for the future.
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.
The unexpected resignation of United manager Colin Murray came as a great shock to players, supporters and committee alike. Everyone at the club would like to express their sincere thanks to Colin for all the hard work and enthusiasm he gave to the role over his years at the helm. There were many highlights along the way but undoubtedly steering the team to the 5th Round of the Irish Cup and an unforgettable day out at Coleraine last year was one of the most memorable.
Colin however, and much to the delight of everyone, will remain at the club and will join the committee and work behind the scenes to take the club forward.
The club Committee are currently considering its options in respect of the appointment of a new manager and it hopes to have the matter resolved soon. It is very grateful to Keith Hamilton, Davy Teggarty and a number of the senior players for stepping into the breach and doing an excellent job.
Both the Swifts and Albion’s league games were postponed due to waterlogged pitches at Civil Service and Drumaness respectively which means that neither will be back into action until Saturday 5th January 2013.
Everyone at the club – be they committee, managers, players and supporters are looking forward with anticipation to the forthcoming Irish Cup 5th Round Cup tie against
Danske Bank Premier League side Coleraine. The game takes place on Saturday 12th January 2013 and while United were drawn out of the hat first the cup rules mean that they must travel to their more illustrious opposition.
This has been a fantastic achievement by Colin Murray, his assistant Keith Hamilton and their squad of players who all work fantastically hard week in and week out in training and on the pitch. They are under no illusions that the task they face will be anything other than a David and Goliath struggle however each and every one of them will do their level best.
Every week both home and away the team are privileged to have an enthusiastic group of supporters who encourage them along and this will also be something very special for them to look forward to and enjoy no matter what the result is.
Club Chairman Gilbert Cromie who was present at the Cup Draw event joked afterwards that ‘he had been sent specifically to get a top Premier League side and that he had delivered’ however such an outcome has been almost unbelievable and many folk around the club are still in a state of shock. This is the third big success that the club have achieved in the second half of 2012 which has seen club man Jimmy Brown win the Hughes Insurance Volunteer of the Year followed up quickly by Hannah Majury recently winning a Female Coach of the Year award.
The Club Committee are now working hard to make arrangements for the big day and details will be made available shortly however anyone who would be interested in travelling with the club to this big match should contact a member of committed as soon as possible to book a place. Any local businesses or individuals who would be interested in sponsoring the club for match balls, training gear or the like thus taking advantage of the publicity that this game will attract should also contact the club as soon as possible.
The Committee, Managers and Players of Ballynahinch United would take this opportunity of wishing all of its supporters, sponsors as well as the local media a Very Happy Christmas and Happy New Year and our thanks for everything that you do for us.
