Everyone connected with Glentoran Football Club were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Billy McClure. Billy was a fixture around the Oval for many, many years and, despite ill health, was in attendance earlier this year. Early last week Billy suffered a stroke and unfortunately passed away on Friday.
Billy McKeag & Billy McClure
Former Gazette editor, Sam Robinson, paid the following tribute to Billy:
The Board, Manager, playing staff and everyone else at Glentoran wish to offer their deep, most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the Linfield supporter who tragically died at Saturday's "Big Two" game in Belfast.
Football rivalry is a healthy thing and there is no more intense rivalry than that between ourselves and Linfield. But that should start and finish on the pitch. A human tragedy of this nature unites all decent football supporters, clubs and members of the broad football community.
Le Jeu Avant Tout.
Glentoran Football Club were saddened to learn that during today's game a Linfield supporter passed away in the Lower Tier of the North Stand. All at Glentoran FC extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the gentleman.
Glentoran will be looking to avenge last week’s bitter home defeat to Ballinamallard United as they prepare battle with fierce rivals Linfield tomorrow.
On the back of an insipid 0-2 loss which the Ducks recorded their first league win against the Glens, Eddie Patterson’s men travel to the National Stadium where nothing but a win would prove to be a perfect antidote.
On Saturday, before our match versus Ballinamallard, season ticket holder and shareholder Colin Davidson presented Club Director Grahame Jenkins with a cheque for £550 for the Academy. Colin walked the 10miles from east Belfast to Taylor's Avenue Carrick a few weeks ago to raise money for Disability Sport and the Glentoran Academy.
Ballymac GSC held their annual 'Player of the Year' function on Saturday evening in their club rooms in Wilgar Street.
Jordan Stewart's parents were in attendance to pick up the 'Player of the Year' award on his behalf.
Steven Gordon received the 'Young Player of the Year' award and the 'Merit' award was presented to Clifford Logan.
The draw took place following last Saturday's Danske Bank Premiership fixture against Ballinamallard United.
You can watch the draw being made by Commercial Director, Simon Kitchen, and Willie Garrett on Glens TV.
Ballinamallard United recorded their first ever victory at the Oval against a lacklustre Glens this afternoon. Eddie Patterson was without several defenders, with Barry Holland, Jay Magee and Calum Birney all on the injured list, but there was little excuse for a performance which saw few, if any, Glentoran players come out of the game with any credit.
September 200 Club Draw
Glentoran are in contention to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season as they host Ballinamallard United tomorrow.
The East Belfast side came from behind twice to seal a 2-4 victory at Dungannon last week, collecting their first away win in the process.
David Armstrong and Andrew Mitchell put the Swifts ahead but the Glens levelled through Calum Birney and Steven Gordon. It was Birney who scored again to put the Glens in front for the first time in the game, before Curtis Allen’s late effort cemented the win.
