Glenavy Gala Ball

St Josephs Glenavy GAC held a celebratory 80th Anniversary Gala Ball on Saturday 21st November in Crumlin Road Gaol for 210 members and Guests.

Guests were treated to a fantastic 5 course meal in the surroundings of the old Gaol.

The evening started off with thanks from the Club Chairman Eddie Forester to Volunteers, Parents and players for their support during the year and an outline of all the club’s success on and off the field.

The plans for a new extended training facility was also launched at this event for Spring 2024 with drawing on display to highlight the ambition of the club going forward into 2024 and beyond.

A presentation of Prizes followed to senior players by the Senior Manager Martin Clenaghan, to Senior player of the year Ciaran Loney, Young player of the year Darragh Armstrong and Reserve Senior player of the year Eoin Mitchel.

The Chairman of the club then presented the club Member of the year Trophy to Jonny Rogan

The high point of the evening was the arrival of Glenavy Senior ladies Team and Manager, as Antrim Intermediate and Ulster Finalist to the Ball, just before the meal to a rapturous and standing ovation from all the guests.

This Fantastic team is an example of the high standards set in 2023, that could only be achieved with hard work and effort. The Ladies Team are now legends within the club and to the next generation of girls in Glenavy who now want to wear the club Jersey.

After Dinner, Chris Scullion, the Senior Manager presented trophies to Player of the year, Natashia O’Neil, Young Player of the Year Cara McGarry and most improved players, Katie ONeil and Phoebe Higgins.

One lucky Winner got two Tickets to the Bruce Springsteen Concert in the Ballot and a commissioned painting is now ready to be displayed In New Extended training facilities in 2024 to Mark our 80th Anniversary year.

This truly superb 80th Gala event was concluded with a Disco and celebrations amongst friends, families’ players and patrons that will long live in the memory of everyone in the Club. And wider community

What way to celebrate to celebrate 80 years of St Joseph’s Glenavy GAC 🟠⚫️🥳 A big thank you to the staff at @crumlinroadgaol for hosting us & club person of the year Jonny Rogan and Eddie Forester for organising such a historic event! Along with Bert Trowlen for capturing every moment 📸

We hope you all had a fantastic evening! We must also give a shout out to some individuals who had a great footballing season 🏐

🏆Ladies player of the year: Natasha O’Neill