A trip down memory lane at Dixon Park

In addition to the league title the class of ‘61 also won the highly-coveted Steel & Sons Cup, and then completed the clean sweep by adding the prestigious IFA Intermediate Cup and the George Wilson Cup to their impressive collection.

The team members enjoyed pre-match refreshments in the Bob Girvan Boardroom, where they were joined by the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Paula Bradley.

Two surviving committee from the 1961 committee, Ronnie Dodds and Hugh Crowe were also present, along with current club secretary Don Horner who was an ardent supporter at that time.

During the half-time interval the special guests were introduced by Trevor McCann to spectators in the new grandstand, and this gave some of the fans an opportunity to mingle with the players and revive memories of those glory days.

After the game the guests were entertained in the boardroom where Jim Aston, who had rounded up his former team-mates, thanked Comrades Chairman Trevor McCann and his committee for giving the lads such a warm welcome on their return to the scene of so many of their memorable moments in what was a very special season.

He said they were all most impressed by the vast improvements made at Dixon Park, and complimented those concerned for making Dixon Park the jewel in the Championship crown.

Finally Mr McCann agreed: “It was a marvellous occasion that will be talked about in the years to come but let’s not forget that those three points were also a highlight of the afternoon.”

For the latest Ballyclare Comrades match report and the views of manager Gordon Chambers see this week’s Newtownabbey Times