The Ron Manley “Yorkie” Suite was formally opened on Saturday by Glentoran Chairman, Stephen Henderson and his Cliftonville counterpart, Gerard Lawlor.
Ron's sister Carol with the Glentoran and Cliftonville Chairmen
Members of Ron’s close family including his two of his three sons Ross and Mark, his wife Karen, his brother Paul, sister Carol and his niece Charlene Lynda were the guests of honour at the opening along with team mates from Ron’s thirteen years as a first teamer at the Oval.
Ron’s entire career at Glentoran was represented in the number of former team mates who attended the dedication. Ron’s first manager at Glentoran Seconds Jim “Bimbo” Weatherup was there as was Roy Walsh, his first captain when he made his debut at 18. From the 1981 “Invincibles" were captain Rab McCreery, Jim Cleary, Johnny Jameson and Ron’s legendary strike partner, Gary Blackledge. From the 1988 “Double” winning squad were Raymond Morrison, Terry Moore, Billy Caskey and Barney Bowers. Also there were Tommy Leeman who won an Irish Cup winners medal alongside Ron in 1986 and Gary Hillis who played with Ron for the last four seasons of his career and was part of the 1992 Championship team. Jason Hill and Paul Leeman also paid their respects on the day.
Ron’s wife Karen and 2 of his 3 sons, Ross and Mark.
A very fitting and lasting tribute to a true Glentoran Legend.
Photos by Thomas Sewell.