APPEALS COMMITTEE
07/05/2008
AN Appeals Board met last night (6 May) to consider appeals by Paul Kirk and Tommy Wright against the sanctions imposed by the IFA Disciplinary Committee following the match Ballymena United v Lisburn Distillery on 22 March.

Both managers were suspended for six matches with a stadium ban. Following the Appeals hearing which considered presentations from both managers, their clubs and representatives of the Disciplinary Committee, it was decided that the sanctions should be reduced to a four match touchline/Dressing Rooms ban under the normal conditions of such suspensions. The Appeals Board accepted assurances from the two managers that there would be no repetition of such inappropriate behaviour

Source - IFA press release - Click here for full details

Lisburn Distillery is not responsible for the content of, or services/products supplied/advertised on, external websites or supplied by third parties

Congratulations to Lisburn Distillery groundsman Beattie Arlow on winning both the Premier League Groundsman and Groundsman of the Year Awards.

The competition is now in its' third year and Beattie was presented with his award (see picture below) at last Saturday’s JJB Sports Irish Cup final at Windsor Park.

Linfield Goalkeeper and Ulster Footballer of the Year Alan Mannus said, “Groundsmen are to be praised for their tireless efforts in all weathers and conditions in maintaining the pitches to the highest possible standards. Being a goalkeeper, there is the need to inspect the goalmouth areas more intensely to ensure accurate ball movement and ensure player safety. I would like to thank all ground staff involved throughout the league for the vital role they play in maintaining and improving the standard of football in Northern Ireland”.

IFA spokesman Craig Stanfield added: “The Groundsman of the Year competition is a great acknowledgement of the outstanding efforts made by club groundsmen who put in a considerable amount of work – in all weathers - to ensure that the pitches are kept in a good condition all year round. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the sponsors for their continued involvement, and generosity, towards such a worthy competition”.

Established since 1934, the Institute of Groundsmanship’s primary purpose is to offer support and advice to all those working in the grounds care industry; to develop and raise the profile of the profession and to give a voice to our membership on important industry issues.

John McFarlane, Chairman of the Northern Ireland branch of the IOG, said “We’ve are again delighted with the interest shown this year by all clubs large and small in this the competition’s third season. Grounds staff work tirelessly on pitches with little thanks, so again this competition has put them centre stage and gives them the recognition they deserve”.

The pitches are initially assessed by the referees on a week by week report through-out the season. These are added to the team manager’s nominations for the best 2 pitches they have visited, in their respective leagues during the season, to compile a final shortlist.

The short listed clubs in the Carnegie Premier and First and Second Divisions are visited with the Groundsman being questioned on maintenance regime, number of games/training, equipment/resources available etc.

The IOG in partnership with the Irish Football Association are proud to announce the continued support from the following sponsors :

Barenbrug UK in association with local supplier JA Humphrey.

Clive Richardson LTD in association with Horta Soils.

The individual Groundsman receives a trophy from the IOG with the winning club receiving products and services from the competitions sponsors.

Each of the Divisional winners will receive premier quality ryegrass seed from Barenbrug UK, to help maintain their high standard of results throughout next season.

In addition to the seed prize, the divisional winners will have the seed applied to their pitch mechanically by Clive Richardson Ltd.

In addition to the divisional prize, the overall winner will have their pitch aerated, carried out again by Clive Richardson Ltd, in the closed season, promoting root growth and drainage to help achieve an even higher level of excellence for next season.

Representatives from both companies expressed their delight in again being involved in the promotion of Groundsmen and their skills.

Elizabeth Wilson of JA Humphrey - “we are delighted to continue our involvement with the IOG and the IFA in promoting such a worthy competition and look forward to providing products and support with the aim to promote quality surfaces for all clubs in the leagues involved”

Nick Gill of Horta Soils – “ its great to be associated with the Institute Of Groundsmanship and the Irish Football Association. We look forward in providing continued support for both clubs and Groundsmen in their efforts to provide the best quality playing surfaces possible”

Source IFA Media release

There will be a meeting at the New Grosvenor Social Club this coming Sunday ( 04th May) for all Lisburn Distillery supporters wishing to travel to Finland for our Intertoto Cup game against TPS Turku.

Some supporters have already booked flights - the meeting will also discuss transfer arrangements in Finland

The meeting will commence at 2.00 pm - this meeting is being organised by Lisburn Distillery supporters.

The club is currently planning its' travel arrangements which are intended to include arrangements for Lisburn Distillery supporters.If you intend to travel to Turku and have not already given Ged Irwin your name and other information, please email him as soon as possible.

Great news today - in that the club was successful with both its' UEFA and Domestic Club Licence applications.

This is the fourth year in a row that the club have got a UEFA licence.This year because of the revised infrastructure criteria the club have nominated Mourneview Park, Lurgan as the ground for their UEFA games.

Details of the arrangements for the forthcoming Intertoto Cup game will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Congratulatons to all those involved in helping the club to get these licences, with particular thanks to club chairman Jim McGrory.It's been a long road, but a successful one.

The following extract from the Irish Football Association gives further information on licences for the 2008/2009 season.

"CLUB LICENSING DECISIONS
24/04/2008
AS PART of the Irish FA’s continuing implementation of Club Licensing policies, the Club Licensing Committee met on Wednesday 23 April 2008 to consider applications for the award of both UEFA and Domestic Club Licences for season 2008/09.

Nineteen clubs started the process in May 2007 and in line with the current UEFA and Domestic Club Licensing manuals, were assessed in five key areas, namely: Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, Legal and Financial.

The Committee wishes to re-emphasise that Domestic Club Licensing Infrastructure criterion I.02 was suspended for the 2008/09 season by the IFA Executive Committee on 28 February 2008. At that time it had become clear that the delay in the release of funds from the Soccer Strategies Facilities Funding Programme would directly impact on the ability of the vast majority of clubs to satisfy the ground criteria elements (particularly floodlighting) by the 31 March 2008 deadline.

Based on these entirely objective criteria licences were granted / refused to the following clubs:

UEFA CLUB LICENCES GRANTED:

Ballymena United FC
Cliftonville FC (Mourneview Park, Lurgan)
Glentoran FC (Mourneview Park, Lurgan)
Linfield FC
Lisburn Distillery FC (Mourneview Park, Lurgan)
Portadown FC (Mourneview Park, Lurgan)

UEFA CLUB LICENCES REFUSED:

Armagh City FC
Crusaders FC
Donegal Celtic FC
Dungannon Swifts FC
Glenavon FC
Institute FC
Larne FC
Limavady United FC
Newry City FC

UEFA CLUB LICENCE - NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

Coleraine FC

DOMESTIC CLUB LICENCES GRANTED:

Ballymena United FC
Bangor FC
Cliftonville FC (Donegal Celtic Park, Suffolk Road, Belfast)
Coleraine FC
Crusaders FC
Donegal Celtic FC
Dungannon Swifts FC
Glenavon FC
Glentoran FC
Institute FC
Linfield FC
Lisburn Distillery FC
Newry City FC
Portadown FC

DOMESTIC CLUB LICENCES REFUSED:

Armagh City FC
Ballymoney United FC
Carrick Rangers FC
Larne FC
Limavady United FC

Communication of these decisions has already been made to the clubs concerned.

Club Licences are valid for one season only, namely 2008/09.

The Committee wishes to congratulate those clubs who have been granted a Club Licence and recognise that others will be disappointed at being refused. The Committee would however urge such clubs to work towards meeting the required standards in future seasons and acknowledge the efforts they have made to date.

Lisburn Distillery FC, Cliftonville FC and Glentoran FC have nominated Mourneview Park, Lurgan as their stadium for UEFA matches as their own stadiums do not currently meet the UEFA Infrastructure regulations to host European football. Should any of these stadiums be brought up to UEFA standard prior to 2008/09 UEFA games taking place, the potential for a switch to their 'home' stadium exists.

The Committee are mindful of the possibility that several clubs could be utilising a single stadium to stage their UEFA matches and the Club Licensing Administration have already had discussion with the UEFA administration in this regard as this is not a new phenomenon within UEFA. The clubs in question have been advised of these discussions.

In addition, Cliftonville FC have nominated Donegal Celtic Park, Suffolk Road as their home stadium for Domestic games in the event that construction on the new stand and changing room complex at Solitude is not completed in time for the commencement of the 2008/09 season. Once construction is completed at Solitude and the appropriate safety certificates issued, the stadium will immediately be able to host matches.

None of the stadium sharing arrangements put in place for Club Licensing reasons shall have an impact on the IFAP Invitational League scoring process. All clubs have been scored against their own stadium.

Clubs who have been refused a club license have the right of appeal, as per the Club Licensing manuals, and any such appeals shall be heard on Thursday 8 May 2008.

Club Licensing and Facilities Manager, David McVeigh commented, "This has been a significant positive step forward for many clubs who have both documented areas of success within their club and also addressed key areas of need. Licensing is clearly recognisable as a tool for assisting clubs to improve from within"."

Source IFA Media release

In today's UEFA Intertoto Cup draw Lisburn Distillery, subject to the granting of a European Licence, have been drawn against a Finnish side in the first round of the 2008 Intertoto Cup.The home leg is scheduled for 21/22 June, the second leg in Finland on 28/29 June.

We understand that our opponents will be TPS (from Turku in Finland) but are awaiting official confirmation of this.

The winners of this tie then take on a Danish side in the second round (First leg: 5/6 July, Second leg: 12/13 July) , and the winners of that will take on an English Premier side on 19/20 July and 26/27 July.

We will provide further information on the tie and arrangements in the coming days.

The draw for the 2008-2009 UEFA Intertoto Cup draw takes place tomorrow, Monday 21st April 2008 in Nyon, Switzerland.

You can find further information on this link.

We will be updating the site on Monday night with details of the draw.

Subject to the granting of a European licence, we will also keep you posted in relation to travel and other arrangements in relation to the Intertoto Cup game (s)

There are back to back semi-finals at New Grosvenor in the semi-finals of the Lisburn Junior Invitational League's U16 Cup on Wednesday night (23 April 2008). Peter Cooling's side take on Newmills in the second semi-final scheduled around 8.00 pm

In the first semi-final - 6.00 pm (kick-off time to be confirmed) Glenavon take on Glentoran.

Peter Cooling's side will welcome your support on the night.

Anyone wishing to attend is invited to buy a ticket (price £10) from any member of the GWSC or from behind the social club bar at New Grosvenor.

The price includes a raffle, buffet dinner and entertainment later (comedian and band).

Why not come along and meet the GWSC members and enjoy a bit of end of season craic.

Mor information from gwsc@onlineni.net orGrosvenor Whites

Here is the Team of the Nineties as selected by Whites' supporters.

In 4-4-2 formation;

David Collins

Peter Crothers, Tommy McCracken, Darren Brush, Chris Deegan

Billy Totten, Tommy McIlroy, Philip Mitchell, Tom Cleland

Darren Armour, Philip Dykes

Tommy McCracken (image to follow)

Images Copyright David Hunter

Ten of the players were able to make it along last Saturday for a presenation and an award.An enjoyable re-union ensued and our thanks to the Lisburn Whites Supporters Club for organising the event.

Some of the players are pictured below with the plaque that will be added to the club's Memorabilia Display at the ground.

At the Awards Night last Saturday, the Youth Team were once again congratulated on their magnificent win in the Harry Cavan Youth Challenge Cup Final.

A couple more images were captured to mark the occasion.

Carnegie Premier League - Match 29 - Larne v Lisburn Distillery (Saturday 19th April)

Inver Red and Whites Supporter's Club have extended a warm invitation to all Lisburn Distillery fans travelling to the game at Inver Park this Saturday to join them in the Larne Football Supporters Social Club before the game for some pre-match hospitality. All fans will be made more than welcome from 1.30pm onwards to share a chat and a drink with our East-Antrim counterparts who are also providing sandwiches and snacks to all the Whites fans who come down to the game.

The Larne Football Supporters Social Club is on the small Station Road (facing the Eagle Bar), just under the flyover on the left, opposite Inver Park.

The club have confirmed that an appeal has been made in respect of the ban imposed on manager Paul Kirk (picture below) following the recent incidents at the Carnegie Premier League game between Lisburn Distillery and Ballymena United- click here for original post

Congratulations to Curtis Allen who has set off to Beja, Portugal with a Northern Ireland U20 squad that will play in a round-robin tournament (the Campos Verdes International Tournament) from April 13-19th.

The tournament will see Northern Ireland play against Portugal, USA and the Cape Verde Islands. We wish Curtis and the Nortehrn Ireland team success in the tournament.

Northern Ireland play USA tomorrow (15-04-08)

It was Awards night at the last home game of the season so here are details of the winners.

The Players' Player of the Year - Wilson Matthews Memorial Cup Winner - Peter McCann
Lisburn Whites Supporters Club - Player of the Year Winner - Peter McCann
Lisburn Whites Supporters Club - Top goalscorer Winner - Gary Browne
Junior Whites Supporters Club - Best debut season Winner - Gary Browne
Lisburn Distillery.net Player of the Season Winner - Peter McCann
Lisburn Distillery.net Player of the Season Runner- up - Paul Muir
Lisburn Distillery.net Player of the Season Third place - Phil Matthews
"Whites" Matchday Programme - Player of the Year Winner - Phil Matthews
"Whites" Matchday Programme - Player of the Year Runner-up - Peter McCann
"Whites" Matchday Programme - Player of the Year Third place - Paul Muir
Seconds - Player of the Year Winner - Mark Patton
Seconds - Top Goalscorer Winner - Greg Dixon
Youth Team - Player of the Season Winner - Conor Sullivan
Youth Team - Top Goalscorer Winner - Nyal Walsh
U16s - Player of the Season Winner - Michael Fox
U16s - Top Goalscorer Winner - Dan McFadden

LADIES DAY

To continue the "Pass on The Passion" campaign that has been running by Carnegie Premier League clubs and the IFA, the aim of which is to raise the profile of local football in Northern Ireland and get more ‘bums on seats’ at domestic league matches, the latest offer to be introduced is one for the Ladies.

Specifically the IFA and clubs would like to attract more families (ladies in particular) to matches. Mothers, daughters, girlfriends and wives all have an influential impact on the men in their lives and we hope to target females in order to encourage family participation and support to create a more inclusive culture and atmosphere at matches. The IFA and clubs have adopted a ‘Ladies Day’ as part of the POTP campaign, which will entitle all ladies to half price entry when presenting a discount voucher at specific matches (details below).

The vouchers will be printed in the Morton Newspaper Group and The Newsletter, the relevant week of the offer which depends on when the games are taking place. The offer is open to both home and away female supporters.

Match day: 19 April

Larne v Lisburn Distillery Voucher in Larne Times and Ulster Star week commencing 14 April.

Source : IFA media release

Congratulations to Paul Muir who won the Lisburn Distillery.net Player of the Month award. A clear winner, he is pictured being presented with his award bfore Saturday's game against Donegal Celtic by manager Paul Kirk.

The April poll will be on-line at the end of the month.

Following the recent incidents at the Carnegie Premier League game between Lisburn Distillery and Ballymena United, Lisburn Distillery manager Paul Kirk has been handed a six match ban effective from Monday 14th April.

The following communication from the Irish Football Association gives more details - at this stage there is no further comment from the club.

IFA DISCIPLINARY HEARING
08/04/2008

"The Irish Football Association has dealt with both Crusaders FC and Ballymena United FC in relation to breach of IFA article 26 concerning payments to amateur players. Both clubs were fined the sum of £1000.

At a meeting of the IFA Disciplinary Committee the following decisions were made concerning the Irish Premier League game between Ballymena United and Lisburn Distillery at The Showgrounds, Ballymena on 22 March 2008:

For excessive misconduct, Tommy Wright, Manager of Ballymena United, and Paul Kirk, Manager of Lisburn Distillery, are both suspended for six competitive matches commencing Monday 14 April. The suspensions include a stadium ban extending to a half mile radius of where the match is taking place. Both clubs were fined £250.

Under serious disturbances, Ballymena United were fined £1000. The Committee stopped short of imposing a stadium sanction. In the course of the hearing it became apparent that there is a need for review of crowd control and safety of the general public. Ballymena United were also reminded as the home club of their duty to ensure the safety of match officials."

Stanley Davidson followed Distillery over a long number of years, a stalwart in the Grosvenor Whites Supporters Club, he organised the clubs Player of the Year Award on countless occasions.In his younger days he played for Larne FC and Ballyclare Comrades amongst other clubs.In later life Stanley was a familiar figure on the Ballyskeagh Road on Saturday afternoons when he walked from his home in Finaghy to the ground.

Stanley's funeral took place on Thursday 10th April 2008.

Stanley's wife Maisie pre-deceased him and we extend our deepest sympathy to his daughter Catherine, sons Stanley and Gary and the wider family circle - our thoughts are with them at their time of loss. (DH)

As part of the relaunch of The Lisburn Junior Whites Supporter's Club, members will be eligible to attend the last home game of the season against Donegal Celtic at New Grosvenor this coming Saturday for only £1.

In their first 'Kids for a Quid' match, Junior Whites can simply show their membership card at the gate and spend the day at New Grosvenor, by firstly watching the game for only £1 and then joining the Awards Evening straight after the game where the club supporters will also unveiling their 'Team of the 90's' before all of the End Of Season Awards and some refreshments.

'Kids For A Quid' is only open to Junior Whites who have membership cards, if you have not yet joined, forms are available all year round from the club shop. It is hoped more 'Kids For A Quid' games will follow next season as well as a number of other Junior Whites Events.

Lisburn Distillery Football Club are holding trials for boys born on or after 1st January 1992 to play competitive league football for their U17 team in the Lisburn Junior Invitational League in the 2008-2009 season.

The trials will take place at New Grosvenor Stadium, Ballyskeagh, Lisburn, on Tuesday 8th April, Thursday 10th April and Thursday 17th April 2008 at 6.30 pm.

If you are interested please contact Peter Cooling (Lisburn Distillery U16 manager) on 07723 363302 or 02891 270243 as soon as possible. All players are requested to wear their own football kit and bring their own boots, shin pads and a drink with them.

Lisburn Distillery U11s (pictured below) lost out to Ballywalter in the final of Lisburn Junior Invitational League' s Cup Final on Friday night (04th April 2008).

Ballywalter won 3-0 and congratulations to them on their cup win. It was a great experience for all the boys to play under the lights at New Grosvenor in front of a crowd of around 300 and we hoped that they enjoyed the occasion.

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Yesterday was the deadline for returning licence applications for the European and Domestic Licences.

Both applications were lodged with the IFA on time and the outcomes should be known in late April.

You may have read about the amount of work involved in the applications, it has indeed been phenomenal and our thanks go to club chairman Jim McGrory who has been working extremely hard for several months now, along with others, to ensure that we provided all the necessary paperwork and documentation, made medical arrangements and all the other tasks that needed done to support our applications.

These teams will play at a competitive level in league football in the 2008-2009 season.

The trials will take place over two weekends on Sunday 20th April and Sunday 27th April, from 10.30 am to 1pm at New Grosvenor Stadium, Ballyskeagh, Lisburn.

If you wish your child to take part please contact Stevie Nutt (Lisburn Distillery Academy Committee Member) on 07709 132986 or by email on stevie-n@hotmail.co.uk All children must bring a training kit, boots, shin-pads, and a drink with them

Lisburn Distillery's Youth team drew one all tonight with the first team. In a 30 minute loosener for Andy Stevenson's lads ahead of tomorrow night's final the gaffer, Paul Kirk, thought it would be a reward and a bit of fun for the Youth team ahead of tomorrow nights Harry Cavan Youth Challlenge Final (Mourneview Park - 7.45 pm) to take on the first eleven.

The gaffer said afterwards; " We did a similar thing ahead of the semi-final, it was an opportunity for the lads to give their legs a run and loosen up ahead of the final. They enjoyed it and the first team did as well. We all wish Andy and the team all the best in tomorrow night's final"

Not good news in the last week or so.

It has been confirmed that midfielder Stephen Shaw (pictured below) will definitely be out for the remainder of the season (hernia) and Chris Murdock unfortunately broke his ankle playing for the Seconds at the week end. Seconds manager David Taylor and the team wish him a full and speedy recovery. James Wright still remains out after fracturing a bone in his ankle a few weeks back.

Congratulations to Youth team youngster Scott Davidson who is Northern Ireland squad in the elite stage of the UEFA U17 Championships this week.

Northern Ireland are playing in Group 5 alongside Slovenia, Scotland and Wales. Only the top team in the group will qualify through to the finals. Despite defeat in their opening encounter against Sccotland there is still everything to play for.

The remaining fixtures are

Wednesday 19 March
Northern Ireland v Slovenia - The Marshes, Newry, kick-off 8.00pm
Scotland v Wales - The Marshes, Newry, kick-off 4.00pm

Saturday 22 March
Wales v Northern Ireland - Mourneview Park, kick-off  7.30pm
Slovenia v Scotland - The Marshes, Newry, kick-off 7.30pm

Admission prices (payable at the gates) ares £3 for adults and £1 for children and concessions. Members of the Official Supportres Scheme will get into the match for free on production of their membership card.

Why not go along and support the players of the future!

Lisburn Distillery.net Player of the Month award - February 2008

It was a case of McCann v McCann this month in a heavily contested February Player of the Month award. Ryan edged out his namesake Peter to win the award and congratulations to him. He had a fine month out in the middle and netted vital goals against Cliftonville and Crusaders - here's to more goals etc in March, Ryan!

Ryan (r) receives his award from manager Paul Kirk on Saturday before the game against Linfield - Image Copyright David Hunter

The future is "Whites" as Peter McCann (front right) and Chris Kingsberry put pen to paper on the respective deals (previous post) that they agreed recently.Looking on are manager Paul Kirk (l) and club secretary Paul Kalla.

Lisburn Distillery supporters are absolutely delighted that both players have signed new deals, they have been in top form recently and we look forward to more of the same in the weeks and season's ahead.

Image copyright Jonathan Irwin - reproduced with permission and thanks

The Lisburn Whites Supporters Club are running a bus to Ballymena for the Carnegie premier League game this coming Saturday - 22nd March 2008.

Departure times are as follows;:

Lisburn Train Station: 1.15pm
New Grosvenor : 1.30pm
Shaftesbury Square / South Belfast Northern Ireland Supporters Club : 1.45pm

ADULTS: £7
JUNIOR WHITES/ UNDER 16's: £4

The will return via Shaftesbury Square, New Grosvenor and Lisburn Train Station.

You are very welcome to travel with fellow Whites' fans for another important game.

The last home game of the season is on Saturday 12th April against Donegal Celtic.

There will be an award ceremony in the social club after the game when a number of awards will be up for grabs. Player of the season, and leading goalscorer awards for the Firsts, Seconds, Youth Team and U16 teams, The Lisburn Distillery.net, and Whites programme Player of the Season awards plus the Junior Whites will be presenting a new award for the "best debut season".

It's a new format this year and there will be a special presentation to those players that you have voted onto the Distillery Team of the Nineties (click here for more information).

Everyone is very welcome to attend

Friday night saw the seventh annual Lisburn Distillery Dinner and Auction - the event was once again organised on behalf of the club by the Phoenix Society.

It was another successful night's fundraising for the club and the Phoenix Society are to be thanked for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes for an event such as this.Details of the final outcome will be announced in due course .

Details of the winners in the ballot are below - those who have not yet been contacted will be notified of the arrangements for collecting their prizes shortly.

The Society and the club would like to thank all those who once again supported or contributed to the event.

Top table guests at the dinner on Friday night Front row (l-r) - Jackie Fullerton (MC), Jimmy McIlroy ( NI and Burnley), Jim McGrory (Chairman - Lisburn Distillery) and Councillor Ronnie Crawford (Deputy Mayor - Lisburn City Council) Back row (l-r) Sean Crummey (Entertainer), Edwin Poots MLA - Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, and Howard Wells (Chief Executive - Irish Football Association)

Jackie Fullerton and Jimmy McIlroy get chatting

Lisburn Distillery boss Paul Kirk with his painting of "White Park Bay" which was auctioned on the night

New Grosvenor plays host to two important games next week.

On St Patrick's Day - Monday 17th March 2008, the Maxol Direct Senior School's Cup Final will be played.

An annual fixture, the final this year features, Belfast Model v Corpus Christi. The final kicks-off at 1.00 pm (ground open from 12.00pm)

Above game postponed - re-arranged for Tues 150408 at 6.00 pm

Then on Tuesday night (18th March) the WKD Intermediate Cup semi-final between Loughgall and Newington will be played at the ground.(ko 7.45 pm)

The final of the WKD Intermediate Cup will also be played at New Grosvenor on Thurs 01st May 2008 (7.45 pm) . The winners of the above tie will face either Dundela or Ards in that final.

With two good games in prospect everyone is welcome.

Portadown Thirds v Lisburn Distillery Youth I

Mourneview Park, Lurgan - 7.45 pm

Referee: A. Davey (Bangor)

Assistant Referees: N. Murphy (Trillick)

Admission: Adults £4.00, Children & Senior Citizens £2.00

Make a note in your diary and come support the Youth Team and Andy Stevenson on the night.

The Grosvenor Whites Supporters Club is running a bus to Portadown this coming Saturday.

The bus will leave the usual pick-up point at Sandy Row in Belfast at 2.00 pm - charge is £5.00 per adult - there will be a limited number of seats available and these will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Grosvenor Whites Supporters Club are also currently considering new applications for membership.

Anyone who may be interested in becoming a member and finding out more about Grosvenor Whites Supporters Club membership benefits is invited to apply initially to gwsc@onlineni.net with full contact details.

More Grosvenor Whites information

Lisburn Distillery boss Paul Kirk was in buoyant mood tonight after confirming new deals had been agreed at the club.

“We have agreed a three year deal with Peter McCann and a two year deal with Chris Kingsberry” said the gaffer. " I am really pleased, it's great news for us, we are attracting the right calibre of players and I am absolutely delighted that they have decided to stay at the club.”

Whilst League games may have been affected by bad weather in recent weeks, Lisburn Distillery Ladies enjoyed the recent Ladies' tournament at the Valley Leisure Centre, organised by the IFA.

The U15s, competing in the U17 competition lost out in the semi-finals, the U11s were runners up in their age group. The U13s also participated in the competitions which were run on a league basis, the games themselves were on a seven a side basis.

More updates will follow in the forthcoming weeks.

Followng our initial web post, the Lisburn Distillery squad underwent their cardiac screening last weekend and it was good news for all those involved.

You can find out further information on CRY* Cardiac Screening Service in Northern Ireland here - CRY website

* CRY - Cardiac Risk in Young

Lisburn Distillery is not responsible for the content of, or services/products supplied/advertised on external websites or supplied by third parties

Lisburn Distillery's Youth team powered their way into the final of the Harry Cavan Youth Challenge Cup following a 6-2 victory over Cliftonville Strollers at Seaview tonight.Two each at the break, the Whites had been leading two nil, a four goal second-half blitz saw the Andy Stevenson's storm into the final.

Mark Patton netted a hat-trick, Mark Cooling grabbed a brace and Danny Ferris was the man who started the ball rolling.

Report to follow shortly.

Sponsor of the Lisburn Distillery Youth Team

Three weeks to go now before this season's annual dinner and auction in the Ramada Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast on Friday 14th March 2008.

The 2008 line-up is

MC/Auctioneer - Jackie Fullerton

Guest Speaker - Jimmy McIlroy (Northern Ireland and Burnley)

Entertainment - Sean Crummey

The Society are delighted to welcome back both Jackie Fullerton and Sean Crummey, both of whom need no introduction, nor indeed does the guest speaker, Jimmy McIlroy - the Northern Ireland and Burnley legend.

In addition to the meal and the entertainment there will also be the usual auction to raise funds for the club.

These are just some of the items that will be on auction on the night;

• A squad signed Manchester United shirt (current squad)
• A squad signed Liverpool replica shirt (current squad)
• A Tottenham Hotspur Legends shirt - signed by Jimmy Greaves, Glen Hoddle amd Ossie Ardiles
• A minature electric motorbike - fuel tank signed by racing legend Valentino Rossi
• A number of limited edition sports prints plus other paintings (including one of White Park Bay by manager Paul Kirk)

It is still possible to take tables - a table of ten costs £400, part-tables and individuals can be accommodated.

There will also be a ballot on the night, and if you cannot attend the event why not support the club by buying a ticket now. Tickets cost £10 and the main prize is " A Ladies single strand of pearls with matching bracelet" (retail value £1000) courtesy of Margaret Forbes. There are also a number of super prizes to be won as well.

For further information please contact Club chairman Jim McGrory, Phoenix Society secretary Louis Boyle or Phoenix Society treasurer Terry Thompson.

Support the Whites by supporting this event!

Saturday's scheduled Carnegie Reserve League game between Armagh City Reserves and Lisburn Distillery Seconds has been switched to this Thursday (210208).

Kick-off time at Holm Park is 7.45 pm. All support for the Whites welcome.

Since it's re-launch at the start of this year, the Junior Whites now have over 25 members. Membership is open all year round and forms are available in the club shop or from speaking to Simon or Ashley Wragg. Membership cards and some information for the remainder of this season will be posted shortly along with voting slips for a new end of season award for ‘Best Debut Season’ where only new players who have made their debut this season for the Whites will be eligible. It’s a great way to honour a player who has came in and made an impact on the team and young supporters since joining the club or coming up through the academy.

Whilst there are only a handful of home games left this season, the Junior Whites have been speaking with the Lisburn Distillery board about ideas and hope that their proposed events such as a training session, penalty kick competition and a ‘meet and greet with the players’ will all happen in the coming months.

Lisburn Distillery.net Player of the Month award - January 2008

Phil Matthews was voted the Player of the Month for January 2008.In a close contest, he just edged out winger Chris Kingsberry to claim the award. Well done to Phil for a number of top performances and saves in January.He is pictured below (right) receiving his award from goalkeeping coach Reggie Hillen (left) with manager Paul Kirk looking on.

Lisburn Distillery Youth Team Monthly awards

We have two updates here.

The November award was won by Padraig Baker, and the December/January award was won by Nyal Walsh.

Padraig (left) and Nyal (right) are pictured with Youth Team manager Andy Stevenson - congratulations to them both for their performances and on their awards.

Each month the Youth team player of the month will receive £20 in mobile phone top-up vouchers courtesy of

Cellular One, 3 Sandown Road, Belfast -Tel 02890 228484

Lisburn Distillery is not responsible for the content of, or services/products supplied/advertised on external websites or supplied by third parties.

The draw for this season's semi-finals of the Harry Cavan Youth Challenge Cup saw Lisburn Distillery paired with Cliftonville Strollers.

Andy Stevenson's side will play the Strollers at Seaview on Wednesday 27th February 2008 - kick-off 7.30 pm - all support welcome as the young Whites bid to make the final.

Portadown Thirds take on Linfield Rangers in the other semi-final which will be played on the same night at New Grosvenor.

Details are as follows;

Cliftonville Strollers v Lisburn Distillery

at Seaview, Belfast on Wednesday 27 February 2008 - Kick-off: 7.30 p.m.

Portadown Thirds v Linfield Rangers

at New Grosvenor Stadium, Ballyskeagh on Wednesday, 27 February 2008 - Kick-off: 7.30 p.m.

Admission Prices: Adults £4.00, Children & Senior Citizens £2.00

Congratulations to first team fitness coach Donald Malomo Paris who has been appointed manager of Co Down's Premier team. Already a UEFA-Pro licence holder the role is Donald's first step in management and Lisburn Distillery wish him well.

Here is further information from the Co Down official press release

Paris appointment for County Down under-17's

Donald Malomo-Paris is the new manager of County Down's Premier team for the upcoming Northern Ireland Milk Cup. Malomo-Paris, who is also first-team fitness coach at Lisburn Distillery, is delighted to have secured the position and is very much looking forward to the challenge. "It's a world-class competition and like so