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