Ballymena & Provincial League dinner - picture special

Pride of place at the function, held as always at the home of the league sponsors, Michelin Athletic Club, went to Raceview, who secured a fabulous league championship and O’Gorman Cup double.

Those exploits also earned Raceview boss Jason Cairns the Manager of the Year accolade to complete a memorable evening for the Broughshane club.

However, despite a staggering array of silverware on show, it wasn’t all about the winners, with league secretary Billy McIlroy thanking everyone who helped make it a successful season across its intermediate and three junior divisions.

“The club officials and committee members who are always there carrying out the chores required and raising funds are certainly worth their weight in gold.

“To them all I say a very big thank you as without them football would die.”

Billy also thanked a number of other people, including the league’s office-bearers who, between them have chalked up an amazing 100 years’ service, Michelin Athletic Club for continuing to host the league’s annual dinner and monthly meetings and various local councils for providing facilities.

In typical fashion, Billy is already looking ahead to the next campaign, adding: “The new season ahead will certainly be another challenge for us all particularly on the administration front and will require the commitment of everyone to make it a success. “

Other speakers at the function included Councillor Tommy Nicholl, representing Ballymena Borough Council; Norman Kerr (Michelin Athletic Club); Robert Fenton; and Don Stirling (Ballymena United).

For a full list of prizewinners and a picture special from the function, don’t miss this week’s Ballymena Times.