Congratulations to the team responsible for the Glentoran Gazette as our match programme this weekend won the Northern Ireland Gazette won the Northern Ireland Programme of the Year for a remarkable 18th consecutive season. Votes are cast by the members of the Northern Ireland Football Programme Collectors' Club and the award was presented by NIFPCC Chairman David Hand. Runners up were the programmes from Cliftonville and Linfield.
Gazette Editor Norman Ternahan at this weekend's event.
A few key points made by Norman Ternahan about the people behind the continued success of the Gazette need to be noted:
- The Gazette is published by the Glentoran Supporters Committee (1923) and is very much a team effort with the regular programme team supplemented by occasional contributors.
- The regular programme team is led by editor Norman Ternahan and includes writers Roy Downes, Brian McClelland and Philip Stevenson. Player and supporter interviews are conducted by Eddy Patrick. Photography is by Thomas Sewell and Pacemaker Press.
- Cover design by Clifford Logan.
- Additional contributions were made over the 2017/18 season by Jonny Blair, Ian Clarke, Sarah Gamble, Jodie Killops, our groundsman William Kirkwood, William Kitchen, David Lowry, Sean McManus, Sam Robinson and our Italian correspondent Giampaolo Tassinari.
- The Gazette team also liaise with the editors of other clubs' programmes for visitors' articles and it was nice to receive their congratulations at the programme fair.
- Just as important as the writing and editorial team are the hardy band of regular programme sellers - David Blanchflower, Ian Jamieson and Philip Stevenson - who are not only out in all weathers selling the Gazette but also miss the start of many of our home games.
- The Gazette team all recognise that none of their efforts would be worthwhile if it wasn't for the fans who support them through loyally buying the Gazette at each home game and our thanks go to them.
- While the team use all their skills and creativity to continue to provide a quality read, they are also making a vital contribution to Glentoran FC as all profits are passed on to the parent club by the 1923 Committee, their most recent donation being a cheque for £2500.
The Board of Directors wish to place on record their appreciation and sincere thanks to everyone involved with the Gazette for their peerless and invaluable contribution to the club and the matchday experience on so many different levels.
Le Jeu Avant Tout