After 8 seasons coaching and managing at Ballinamallard, Andy Parkinson confirmed at the Club Awards that he will be leaving the Club this summer for a fresh challenge. Upon his announcement on Saturday past, Andy paid tribute to the Club and the numerous friendships that he made throughout his time at Ferney Park. 'Parky' arrived at the Club as first team coach under Whitey Anderson back in 2011 and made history by helping us to the NIFL Championship Title that year. After several years with the first team he moved to manage the U20 development team and finally onto the U18s in the summer of 2017. He is certainly no stranger to football in the Fermanagh and Western area with an extensive CV
With John Connolly already committed for 2019/20, Harry McConkey has confirmed that Tim Harney and Stefan McCusker will be the challengers for the number 1 jersey, with Joshua Brownlee moving on. Tim, who made 3 appearances last season, will continue with his goalkeeping coaching duties, whilst Stefan will be hoping to make an impact with a good pre-season under his belt. "I am delighted with the quality of the goalkeepers that we will have in the panel for next year and it will be up to each one of them to prove to me why they deserve that number 1 jersey. Competition for places is essential and the goalkeeping department will be no different. Tim done a great job last year on the coaching
Ben McCann and Aaron Arkinson will remain at Ballinamallard next season with both players agreeing terms with Harry McConkey for the 2019/20 season. Both featured regularly for McConkey throughout last year and the gaffer is looking for them to push on again next term. “Ben was superb last season for me and only for an unfortunate injury or two, he would have featured more. He has a wonderful attitude and is always looking to learn and develop and I admire that. He is a joy to coach and I expect that he will be another big player for us in defence next year” commented McConkey. The Irvinestown native came through our Youth Academy and is closing in on his 50th appearance for the Club. Arkins
On Saturday night the end of season award winners were announced for the first team, U20s and U18s as follows; First team awards for 2018/19; Managers POTY - Ryan Campbell Players POTY - Ryan O'Reilly Supporters POTY - Ryan O'Reilly Young POTY - Matthew Smyth Top goal scorer - Ryan Campbell U20s awards for 2018/19; Managers POTY - Shea Devlin Players POTY - Jake Browne, Justin Palmer & Lorcan McGrady (joint) Top goalscorer - Adam McCrea U18s awards for 2018/19; Managers POTY - Rory Keane Players POTY - Luke Johnston Top goal scorer - Conor Courtney Congratulations to all!
At last night's AGM Club members were presented with the news that the Club is in a stable position going forward and promotion back to the Premier League is still firmly on the agenda. After reports from the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and First Team Manager, Club President Ernest Fisher declared all posts vacant and with no counter proposals, all 4 office bearers were re-elected; Tom Elliott as Chairman, Jackie Palmer as Vice Chairman, Richard McBride as Secretary and Keith Thompson as Treasurer. We thank all for their contribution during 2018/19 and wish our Office Bearers and new committee the best of luck for 2019/20.
Harry McConkey has been handed another boost with the news that defender Matthew Smyth will remain a Ballinamallard player for 2019/20 despite interest from other Clubs. Smyth's loyalty to his boyhood club will hopefully see him pass the 100 Senior appearances mark next season and the news is sure to come as a relief to the Mallard supporters who have a soft spot for 'one of their own'. "Matthew is a young and ambitious player who wants to play at the highest level but he is really enjoying his football at present and has bought into what we are trying to achieve at this Club" commented McConkey. "He has been a key player for me and alongside Ben McCann, Ryan O'Reilly and Ross Taheny we have
Ballinamallard Utd are inviting girls and young ladies born 2002, 2003 and 2004 to attend an open session, Friday 24th May 7.30-8.45 at Fisher Park 3G Ballinamallard. We hope to form a new under 19 squad to play competitive matches throughout 2019-20 season. If you have any queries or wish to speak to someone prior open session, please contact Andrew McCutcheon 07746956063
This years Club AGM will take place on Friday 17th May at 7.30pm in the Clubhouse. All paid members are entitled to attend and vote.
The PSNI has advised the Club that supporters should park on Apollo Road and Wildflower Way off the Boucher Road as indicated in blue on the map below. Parking elsewhere may fall foul of other enforced parking regulations. The National Stadium is located a short walk away as indicated in red, with supporters accessing the ground from the South/West Stand entrances. Supporters may wish to arrive early to participate in the 'Fan Zone' at the Olympia Leisure Centre before kick off at 2.30pm.
All Pre Booked Supporters have been allocated a seat on the Clubhouse Buses. Souvenir Bus Tickets with your bus number will be available to collect from the Clubhouse on Friday from 3pm and Saturday morning from 9.45am. Buses will leave on time at 10.30am directly to Belfast. Drop Off will be at Ryan’s Bar on the Lisburn Road , a short walk to Windsor Park - Buses will continue on to the Stadium for those wishing to go direct. Info’ on return travel will follow....
As we approach Irish Cup Final I share my message from the Club match programme. The Irish Cup Final is what dreams are made of for Ballinamallard United FC, its players, manager, committee, sponsors, supporters and all associated with the Club. The build-up to the final and the occasion itself can be stressful for all involved, there are highs and lows for many people along the way, I just hope that we can all, as far as possible enjoy the occasion. With such events come much behind the scenes work and agonising over decisions that need to be taken, I know from a Ballinamallard United perspective that all those decisions will be taken in the best interests of the Club. I want to thank all t