Thanks & Appreciation

The committee and members of Ballynahinch United would like to express their thanks to the large numbers who travelled to Coleraine to support the team either by the supporters bus or other means. Special thanks go to Hannah Majury who looked after the supporters bus.

The stand fills up for kick off
The stand fills up for kick off

On the day the team looked splendid in a new red and black strip which was very generously sponsored by NFU Mutual. BEC Electrical and Bartley Murphy Construction supplied the new training tops while GML Electrical sponsored the tee shirts worn by the young mascots.

Squad and mascots
Squad and mascots

The Ballynahinch Lions who are great supporters of local sport again came to the rescue this time providing a full medical kit while Mark Murnin of Paddy Kelly’s provided generous sponsorship to cover other sports gear which ensured that the team were well turned out.

Johnny Hunter warms up
Johnny Hunter warms up

Additional sponsorship for match balls was provided by Charles Newsagents, Morrisons Vivoxtra, Down Satellite Aerial Services, Ian Blackwood Electrical and the Rowallane Neighbourhood Team PSNI.

Special thanks to Lorraine McMullan for her help in securing funding for the club.

Many thanks also goes to club man and Albion Left-Back Maestro Shaun Bonner who as well as running the club website was responsible for creating a massive amount of interest through social media specifically Twitter. Any local businesses who would like to advertise on this site and take advantage of the wide coverage that Shaun has garnered should contact the club for more details. On the day of the match he was in the Coleraine Press Box along with the local media including the BBC Radio Ulster presenter Alan Simpson providing a blow by blow account of the match to those who were unable to be present.

Club Treasurer and Veteran Albion Goalkeeper Johnny McGreevy also took some real quality photographs which can be viewed here.

The officers, directors and supporters of Coleraine F.C. were outstanding hosts throughout the day and they complimented the performance of the team and the way in which its management team had organised them. They also paid glowing tributes to the professionalism of the club and its committee and made particular mention of the large support that had come along which was considerably more than what many Premier League teams bring with them. At an informal function in the Coleraine Board Room Club Chairman Gilbert Cromie thanked everyone associated with the Coleraine Club for their cooperation and assistance in the run up to and on the day of the match.

Robert Creighton one of the club’s most loyal of supporters was the receipient of a signed Coleriane shirt courtesy of Coleraine Club President Andy Magowan a Ballynahinch man born and bred who’s loyalties on the day were definitely split.

Supporter of the Year Robert received a signed Coleraine shirt
Supporter of the Year Robert received a signed Coleraine shirt

Ballynahinch United memories of their trip to Coleraine will live long but it also gives everyone a thirst for more glory in the future.

Sponsorship for Saturday announced

This is a big week for United with their 5th Round Irish Cup tie with Danske Bank Premier League side Coleraine F.C. taking place this Saturday.

United will field on the day wearing a new all red strip sponsored by NFU Mutual – Downpatrick. In addition the team will warm up with training tops sponsored by BEC Electrical and B. Murphy Construction.

The team will take to the field led by young mascots from Ballynahinch and they will be attired with special commemorative tee shirts which have been sponsored by GML Electrical. Everyone at the club would like to express their appreciation to these sponsors, NFU Mutual, BEC Electrical, B. Murphy Construction and GML Electrical for this wonderful gesture which is much appreciated.

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Gilbert Cromie [Chairman], Colin Murray [Manager] and Michale Lurring [GML Electrical] with Mascots Robbie and Sam Lurring holding the special tee shirts.
However it is still not too late for other sponsors to come forward and assist the club as it undertakes this great challenge of representing County Down in this most prestigious of competitions.

The club would welcome contributions to assist with the cost of bus hire for the team as well as other associated expenditure on match balls, medical equipment etc – please get in touch.