Many things have certainly changed for the better in the modern football era, such as better pitches, facilities and family atmospheres, however some things that have not exactly been helped by the new box ticking and criteria that have to be met are things that we would normally not think of such as flag poles at grounds.
As we know only too well in Northern Ireland flags are important to people just as they are to European football’s governing body U E F A who require that, for European matches, five flags must be flown at the home ground of the club. Flags of the two nations, UEFA’s flag, Fair Play flag and a Respect flag must be flown prior to and during all European games.
Glentoran had met those criteria until recently when the original poles that were in place began to corrode and became unsuitable to use.
Before any future European games can be played new flag poles needed to be purchased and fitted. With so many other costs needing to be fulfilled first the costs of replacing the flag poles had to be met elsewhere.
As we all know Glentoran have many very hardworking and generous supporters' clubs who are prepared to dig deep when the call comes. One such club who stepped up to the plate this time was the Raven GSC who sourced, paid for and erected the new flag poles that were back in place prior to our last home game with Warrenpoint Town.
Raven GSC member Stephen Beattie takes up the story; “As a club we were delighted to help Glentoran in this matter. Some people may say why such a hassle to get flag poles but quite simply it is another box that is ticked for Glentoran with UEFA and we were delighted to help in doing that.”
“Believe it or believe not, buying flagpoles in Northern Ireland is something that you just can’t do!! Nobody supplies them as such, they have to be manufactured for you. We were lucky that a member of the Raven parent club, Robert Girvan, was able to source and supply them for us, and we are indebted to him for that. Along with Ossie Simpson, who helped transport them, and Dougie Edwards, who did the welding for us to secure them into place, we now have the five new flag poles that were required.”
Our photo shows Stephen and his fellow Raven GSC members on the pitch before the Warrenpoint as the flagpoles were “officially” handed over.
The big hearted Raven guys have also helped with the ongoing player medical fundraising and will be handing over £200 towards the fund prior to today’s game.
Well done the Raven for your “unflagging” support!!