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.
The Swifts game against Tollymore 2nds on Saturday was cancelled due to a waterlogged Millbridge and this weekend they hope to be back in action at home to Ardglass Colts.
A minutes silence was held at the start of the game with Dunmurry YM to remember the Stevens family on the recent death of Irene, wife of Harry and mother of Gary, Colin, Alan, Gillian and Barry. Harry, Gary, Colin, Alan and Barry were all long serving players at BUFC as is nephew Steven Jess who is a current committee member. Everyone at BUFC would like to express their sympathy to the whole family circle at this time.
The Albion had a home game in the league against Carryduff Colts on saturday however despite goals from Paul King and a first for the club from teenager Jack Shepherd they were defeated 4-2.
The Swifts had a free week.
Congratulations to Scott Brashaw and Steven Jess for organising an excellent fund raiser last Saturday night which was very successful and many thanks to all those who turned up.
Everyone in both the youth and senior sections of the club would like to express their sincere thanks to those who either supported or were centrally involved in the organisation of the Let Us Entertain You night which passed off so successfully last Saturday night.
The attention to detail and organisation was exceptional and the feedback on the event has been very positive indeed.
Special thanks go to Roz Steenson who organised the barbecue and food part of the night and to the Ballynahinch Lions Club who provided the marquees and the expertise to erect them.
Special thanks also goes to Ross Hayes and Scott Brashaw for all the repair work that they have undertaken within the club house in recent weeks in preparation for both this event and the youth tournament at the end of August.
The proceeds were in aid of the levelling, repair and reseeding of the training area and everyone at the club is very grateful for the support we have been given to this project.
