Prior to today’s Premiership game against Loughgall representatives of the 1st Newtownabbey LSC presented Jamie Mulgrew with their Player of the Year trophy for last season.
The 1st Newtownabbey LSC trophy dates back to 1961 with Bobby Braithwaite the inaugural winner of the prestigious trophy named the Corrigan Cup in honour and memory of one of the founders of the club, the late Billy Corrigan and whose grandson Adam is pictured making the presentation below.
The 1st Newtownabbey LSC young player of the year award trophy was presented to Chris McKee.
The following correspondence was received in connection with the 1st Newtownabbey LSC Young player of the year award
I was just thinking during the presentation of the Young Player of the Year award on Saturday about how the award came into being.
In March 1976, the late Davy Moore a member of “Linfield Management Committee” approached Sammy Spence a member of “1st Newtownabbey” to see if the club would be prepared to allow him to inaugurate a “Young Player of the Year” trophy, and he would sponsor it every year. The members were delighted and supported the idea.
Sadly, Davy passed away shortly after the first year, but the club found another sponsor in the late John Eaton.
I just think it’s sad that Davy who was most happy to put his personal money into a scheme to encourage young Swifts and Rangers Players to win “Player of the Year” passed away so soon after the award started. At the time it was directed towards the two teams, of course it has come on since then.
I just thought this little piece of historical information would be of interest to you.
Yours in Linfield.
John Kennedy.
Life Member and Trustee. First Newtownabbey Linfield Supporters Club.
AUDACES FORTUNA JUVAT.