Glentoran Football Club has officially inducted its first-ever Hall of Fame class, honouring iconic figures from across six decades of the club’s history at a sold-out gala celebration at La Mon Hotel & Country Club.

Hosted by BBC NI broadcaster Joel Taggart and proudly supported by Macron, the prestigious evening brought together supporters, sponsors, former players and special guests to celebrate those who have made an indelible contribution to Glentoran’s story from the 1960s through to the modern day.

The evening featured a three-course dinner, speeches, live entertainment and formal presentations to inductees and their families.

The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees included 1960s greats Billy McKeag and Jim “Bimbo” Weatherup, who were recognised for their outstanding contribution during one of the club’s most successful periods, with both McKeag and Weatherup starring in iconic European ties and playing key roles in the famous Detroit Cougars tour and Cup Winners’ Cup quarter final run.

The 1970s inductees saw fearless right back Rab McCreery, who captained the club to its unbeaten league title, joined by mercurial midfielder Johnny Jamison, whose 134 goals included a club record five in European competition.

From the golden era of the 1980s, Jim Cleary and Billy Caskey were honoured for their trophy laden careers, international recognition and inspirational leadership at The Oval.

The 1990s inductees, Barney Bowers and John Devine, epitomised consistency and quality. Bowers was a creative and combative midfielder across more than 500 appearances, while Devine was a defensive stalwart and multiple title winner who also earned international caps.

The 2000s celebrated two modern greats: club captain Paul Leeman, the last Glentoran skipper to lift the Gibson Cup, and record appearance holder Colin Nixon, whose 794 matches, 88 goals and 25 winners’ medals have cemented his place as a Glentoran legend.

From the 2010s, legendary goalkeeper Elliott Morris was recognised for his remarkable 20-year career, multiple trophies and European exploits, while prolific striker Curtis Allen was honoured for his 110 goals and unwavering commitment during a challenging era.

Kelly Bailie was inducted for her extraordinary contribution to the women’s game, spanning 29 seasons, more than 50 international caps and around 30 winner’s medals.

Managerial honours went to Roy Coyle, the most successful manager in Irish League history, who delivered 17 trophies during his nine years at The Oval, shaping an era of sustained silverware and developing a generation of young Glentoran players.

The evening concluded with the induction of the 1966–67 and 1967–68 Glentoran side, led by the late John Colrain, a team that secured back-to-back titles, famously took Benfica and Rangers to memorable European draws and made history on the Detroit Cougars tour.

Colin Jess, Chairman of Glentoran, said: “This was a landmark night in the proud history of Glentoran Football Club. The Hall of Fame is about more than trophies and titles. It is about the people who carried our colours with pride, inspired generations and helped shape the identity of this great club.

“Each inductee is a worthy inaugural recipient who has played a defining role in shaping the history of Glentoran. Their stories are woven into the fabric of this club and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

“I want to congratulate each of them and their families, and to thank the volunteers on the organising committee led by Nichola, Ruth, Jackie, Harry, Paul and Davy, along with our judging panel, supporters’ clubs, partners and sponsors, who made this special night possible.

“I would also like to thank everyone who joined us for such a fantastic evening. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate our shared history, including those who travelled from across the world to be part of this occasion. Tonight, will be remembered as the beginning of a new tradition, one that honours our past while inspiring our future.”

2025 Glentoran Hall of Fame Inductees

1960s Inductees
Billy McKeag – Sponsored by Westbourne GSC
Jim “Bimbo” Weatherup – Sponsored by Stormont GSC

1970s Inductees
Rab McCreery – Sponsored by Internet GSC
Johnny Jamison – Sponsored by Cookstown Glens SC

1980s Inductees
Jim Cleary – Sponsored by Victoria GSC
Billy Caskey – Sponsored by The Miller Family

1990s Inductees
Barney Bowers – Sponsored by Dundonald GSC
John Devine – Sponsored by Budget Energy

2000s Inductees
Paul Leeman – Sponsored by Raven GSC
Colin Nixon – Sponsored by Airspace Roofing

2010s Inductees
Elliott Morris – Sponsored by Ballymacarrett GSC
Curtis Allen – Sponsored by Glentoran Ultras

Women’s Inductee
Kelly Bailie – Sponsored by One Stop Mortgage Shop Bangor

Manager Inductee
Roy Coyle – Sponsored by Ballynahinch GSC

Team Inductee
Glentoran 1966–67 & 1967–68 – Sponsored by Ali Pour, Owner of Glentoran FC

A panel of lifelong supporters and club stalwarts, including Colin Jess, David Chick, Ian Kerr, Ian Clarke, Jimmy Carter, Jeff King, Tommy McKee, Davy Stewart and Norman Ternahan, carefully selected this historic inaugural group aimed at recognising their achievements and impact on and off the pitch.

Macron served as headline event partner, with the Glentoran Supporters’ Committee (1923) producing a special souvenir programme to mark the occasion. Category sponsorship included: Ali Pour, Ballymacarrett GSC, Glentoran Ultras, Raven GSC, Airspace Roofing, Dundonald GSC, Budget Energy, Ballynahinch GSC, Victoria GSC, The Miller Family, One Stop Mortgage Shop Bangor, Internet GSC, Cookstown GSC, Westbourne GSC and Stormont GSC.

The Glentoran Hall of Fame will now become an annual celebration, recognising individuals who have shaped the club’s proud past while inspiring its future. Future editions will continue to honour players, managers and teams from both the men’s and women’s game.