BARNEY McKEOWN IS “PLAYER OF THE SEASON”

BARNEY McKEOWN IS “PLAYER OF THE SEASON” j6e17

Barney McKeown is Glenavon’s “Player of the Season” for 2024-25. 526p2o

The 23-year-old Newry man had already been chosen as the top player by the Triangle, Victoria and Spirit of 2014 ers’ clubs. He was also the choice of Glenavon’s Stewards.

Now he has collected the official Alan Steele Memorial award.

The announcement was made at Edenmore Golf Club, Magheralin, on Saturday night at the club’s end-of-season dinner.

Craig Collen and William Steele, Alan’s brother, made the presentation.

Barney McKeown receives the “Player of the Season” award from William Steele and Craig Collen.

“I want to thank the management, the rest of the players and our ers for all the encouragement they have given me,” said Barney. “It is big honour to win this award.”

Barney was also named as the “Players’ Player of the Season.”

Barney McKeown receives the “Players’ Player of the Season” award from Liam Beckett.

Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin and his assistant Colin Coates chose Peter Campbell as the backroom staff’s top performer. “We don’t have any argument with Barney McKeown’s selection over the whole nine months, but we felt that Peter deserved an award for his contribution since we came in,” said Paddy. “His form, his assists and goals made him our stand-out player.”

Chairman Glenn Emerson presented the “Clubman of the Year” award to Glenavon Reserves manager Chris Chambers. “Chris has been with us for over 12 years,” he said. “He is a UEFA ‘A’ Licence coach and has worked with players at every age level. He has also been Head of the Academy. Unfortunately, we are about to lose him. However, he leaves a great legacy in of the young players he has helped to develop and prepare for the first team. He thoroughly deserves this recognition.”

Chris Chambers receives the “Clubman of the Year” award from Liam Beckett.

Stephen Topping, or “Blackie” as he is affectionately known, was the first recipient of a new “Chairman’s Award.” “Blackie has been with us for 22 years,” said Glenn Emerson. “He has been our kitman but has been much more than that. He has helped players and many others. Unfortunately, he is about to retire. We thank him for all his hard work and dedication.”

Paddy McLaughlin, in a short address, thanked Colin Coates, Marty McCann and the players for the which he has received since his appointment. He also praised Glenn Emerson, the Board of Directors and the club’s fans for their backing. “I think everyone can see that we are moving in the right direction,” he said. “That is going to get even better thanks to the talented young players we are bringing through.” The Northwest native said that teenagers would continue to be given opportunities. “We saw the difference which they made in our final two league matches. They are an important part of what we are doing.”

McLaughlin said that the hard work to prepare for the 2025-26 campaign began when the final whistle sounded at the end of the last league match in April. “We have been very busy trying to make sure that we are in the best possible shape when the first match of the new season is played in August. That work continues.”

The former Cliftonville boss said that he and his backroom staff are determined to attract more new faces. “We hope to add one or two more players,” he said. “ers want to see new blood and we feel that we need to strengthen in several areas. There is a lot going on. Hopefully, we are able to bring in the individuals we want.”

Paddy also thanked Glenavon for its in the weeks following the sudden ing of his father, Joe. “When you get to know the people at Mourneview Park you realise that they are there to look after you as much as you are there to lead them,” he said. “My family and I deeply appreciate the kindness we were shown at a very difficult time.”

Goalkeeper coaches Johnny Pollock and Reggie Hillen.

Glenn Emerson expressed his thanks to the club’s main corporate sponsors, Avondale Foods, Malcomsons and Roco, and to the many other companies and businesses which provided tangible . He also praised the Glenavon Academy for its enormous contribution.

Reflecting on the campaign, he said that the decision to change manager in November was completely vindicated by the team’s subsequent improvement. He particularly highlighted the victories against Portadown on Boxing Day and Dungannon Swifts at the end of January. “Well done to Dungannon for its success in the Irish Cup,” he said. “Rodney McAree has built a fine team. However, we were phenomenal in the 3-2 win at Stangmore Park.”

Glenn also mentioned the sad ing of Adrian Teer. “Adrian’s contribution over 40 years and more is well documented,” he said. “He put in place foundations which we are determined to build on. He is much missed.”

The chairman said that the Board of Directors has big plans for Glenavon, both on the field and off it. “Mourneview Park is already the best stadium in the country, but we want to make it even better,” he said. “We are also not content to simply retain our place in the Premiership. We want to compete with the top six clubs and make significant progress in the cup competitions.”

BBC Sportsound and Sunday Life pundit Liam Beckett entertained the guests with stories from his playing career.

The event was attended by a number of players who featured during the 2024-25 campaign, including Barney McKeown, Harry Murphy and Ben Wilson.