Supporters club anniversary time

Supporters club anniversary time

19 September 2012

THE Downpatrick Branch of the Manchester United Supporters Club proudly mark their 20th anniversary this season.

There has always been massive support for Manchester United in Downpatrick and many supporters have travelled independently, some on trips organised by Downpatrick Youth Football League or some on trips organised by individuals who took on the responsibility of arranging travel and tickets.

However, United’s success in the 1990s made it impossible to obtain tickets for these trips, prompting Dominic Doran to write a letter to United asking how to set up a supporters’ branch.

A few weeks later Dominic received a reply from membership secretary Barry Moorhouse, explaining that on completion of some forms a branch could be set up and become affiliated.

A meeting was organised and the committee of Dominic and the late David Doran, Shay Quinn, Mark Murphy, Barry McDowell, Paul Fay, Terry Holland and John Magee was elected, the forms were completed and in March 1993 Downpatrick Branch was born.

Over the years the branch has had many great trips to the Theatre of Dreams that always seem like an adventure. Generally, they have followed the meticulous plan, but two are often remembered for travel difficulties. The first trip in 1993 versus Liverpool had flight problems and on a trip to the Villa game in 1995 the branch missed the boat home spending 12 hours in Holyhead.

The weekend trips have three big components, the coach journey, the boat and the hotel. The branch have always used Logan Executive Travel/Travel Solutions who continue to provide a luxury coaching service that combines the highest quality driving, customer care and top-of-the-range vehicles.

The boat breaks the journey, sometimes quick, but when the sea is rough then not near quick enough. The Branch has enjoyed the hospitality of The Village Hotel Hyde with great and friendly staff.

The facilities are excellent, yet many only see the bar. They bring their own band on every trip, giving everyone entertainment and the late night sessions are not to be missed. The branch have recently moved to the Village in Bury which is equally as friendly and excellent.

One of the most significant moments of the branch history happened in September 1994. At this time the branch sent a letter to David May asking him to become the president of the club and the rest they say is history.Members have also been fortunate to make several player of the year presentations to players at old Trafford. Denis Irwin, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes, John O’Shea, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Roy Keane (on two occasions) were all recipients of this cherished award.

During the past years some of their friends have sadly passed away. David Doran, a committee member from the first meeting, Pat O’Hare a club treasurer, Gerry Magee and Oliver O’Hare, committee members and Cassie McCullough, the oldest member, all passed away.

The branch has planned many activities to celebrate this anniversary season hoping to finish with Sir Alex Ferguson and players attending their anniversary dinner in May.

The branch is making its first trip of the new season to the Theatre of Dreams on October 20 for the game against Stoke City.

Membership is still open and all new and old members are welcome.

The next Supporters Club meeting is on Monday, September 24, in the Avenue Bar at 8pm.

Further any further info please contact branch secretary Terry Holland 07712622242/ or tholland@dpmusc.co.uk or visit the branch website downpatrickmusc.co.uk