Norman McBurney OBE: official naming of stand is recognition of businessman's 'extraordinary' contribution to Ballymena Utd
An official naming ceremony for the Norman McBurney OBE Stand at Ballymena Showgrounds took place on Friday (January 23).
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council agreed to rename the home stand in the main arena in recognition of Mr McBurney’s lifetime of service to industry, sport and the wider community.
Attending the special event, in honour of the businessman and former chairman and president of the football club, was the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford. He said renaming the home stand reflects Mr McBurney’s impact on both the local economy and community life.
“Norman’s personal passion to keep it local, employ local, invest local and support both local businesses and community has been so important over the years,” he said.
“We must never forget how his community ethos, combined with his passion for football, led to his involvement and sponsorship of Ballymena United for over three decades.
“Our decision to rename the home stand within The Showgrounds’ main arena in his honour is our way of bearing testament to Norman’s dual passions – football and his hometown.
“It is, therefore, with great pride that the Borough wishes to bestow on him this gift and legacy.”
The decision followed a Notice of Motion from Councillor Matthew Armstrong and Councillor Lawrie Philpott. Their joint proposal said: “That council – to recognise a lifetime of service to industry, sport and the wider community bestows The Freedom of the Borough upon Mr Norman McBurney OBE and renames the home stand within The Showgrounds main arena in his honour.”
The founder of McBurney Transport said he was deeply moved by the tribute.
“It’s a great honour to have the home stand at Ballymena Showgrounds named after me,” said Mr McBurney.
“I was also very moved to have received Freedom of the Borough last year, particularly as it marked the 60-year anniversary of McBurney Transport.
“Words cannot do full justice to how much both of these gestures mean to me and I would like to thank Council for organising this very special event.”
Mr McBurney founded McBurney Transport in 1965, growing the business from a single truck into one of Ireland’s largest logistics firms.
He is also a long-time supporter of Ballymena United FC, sponsoring the club for 35 years and serving as chairman and later president.
Chris Selwood, chairman of Ballymena United Football Club, said the decision to rename the stadium after Mr McBurney was in tribute to his longstanding support for the club.
“Norman McBurney’s contribution to Ballymena United has been extraordinary,” he said. “His support over decades - both as a sponsor and in leadership roles - helped strengthen the club on and off the pitch and his commitment to the town has always been clear.
“We are proud to see the home stand at The Showgrounds carry his name, creating a lasting reminder of the legacy he has built for Ballymena.”
A devoted family man, Norman and his wife Lynn have five children and 12 grandchildren. He was actively involved in the business until his retirement in 2023.