THE JACKIE MURRAY KIT ROOM 2z5o42

In December 2023 Glenavon lost Jackie Murray, one of its most faithful servants. Jackie was a volunteer member of the backroom staff for 32 years. He was also a former chairman of the Triangle Glenavon ers’ Club. l5s6a

The Executive Board has recognised his contribution by naming the equipment space in the Mourneview Park dressing rooms, “The Jackie Murray Kit Room.” The plaque was unveiled at a short ceremony held before Glenavon’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Linfield.

Chairman Glenn Emerson, who worked with Jackie in the Post Office, spoke warmly of the former Glenfield Road man’s cheerful disposition and willingness to help others. He said that volunteers who work hard in the background play a vital role in the smooth running of Glenavon. “Jackie’s 32 years’ service was remarkable and evidence of his dedication to our club,” he said. “He was loved by the managers and players he worked so hard to . He is very much missed.”

During the late 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, when Glenavon was a regular European qualifier, he travelled to every away fixture. He prepared and packed the squad’s training / playing gear and ensured its safe age from Lurgan to its destination and back. On Irish Cup Final occasions – Glenavon played in five during eight seasons between 1991 and 1998 – Jackie always played a key role during the build-up and on the big day itself.

Nothing was too much trouble for him. He loved the dressing-room camaraderie and forged lifelong friendships with some of Glenavon’s most famous names.

The affection which the players had for Jackie was summed up by a marvellous gesture made by then first-team goalkeeper Dermot O’Neill following the 1-0 victory against Glentoran in the 1996-97 Coca Cola League Cup Final. The Dubliner gave his winners’ medal to the Lurgan man. Dermot was quoted, at the time, as saying, “Jackie is a vital member of our backroom team and makes a major contribution in the dressing-room. He deserves a medal.”

Paul Byrne, who made a record 668 appearances for Glenavon between 1983 and 1998, has also spoken warmly about the Lurgan resident. “Jackie was a gentleman. He helped me to settle in when I first arrived at Mourneview Park. He did so much for the players. He was the backbone of many of the good things which happened. He played a hugely important role.”

In 1989 Jackie ed the Triangle Glenavon ers’ Club. He held several offices before becoming chairman. He approached his duties in the clubroom with the same commitment he showed in the dressing-room. “Jackie was a stalwart and hugely popular member,” said current treasurer Ralph Hewitt. “He was utterly dependable and a great to the chairmen who preceded and succeeded him.”

During his working life, Jackie was employed primarily by Warne Surgical Limited and the Royal Mail. He was also a part-time fireman. In 1979 he acted heroically when an explosion ripped through part of Warne Surgical’s Portadown Road factory. Jackie rushed to the scene, helped to evacuate the injured and ensured that all doors and other entry points to the seat of the blaze were sealed. Afterwards the Factory’s Personnel Manager praised Jackie’s actions. “Thanks to his immediate response and quick thinking, lives were protected, damage to the factory was restricted and very little stock was lost,” Mr. Michael Joy told the Lurgan Mail.

Jackie worshipped regularly at Shankill Parish Church.

His wife Sadie who helps to prepare tea in the Mourneview Park boardroom at every home fixture,sister-in-law Margaret and son Darwin, a former player with Glenavon Thirds and Glenavon Reserves, attended the short ceremony. Former club captain, Paul Byrne, Glenavon chaplain, Rev. Paul Whittaker, and many current and past directors were also present. Somewere visibly moved by the poignancy of the occasion.