Latest news with #BarneyMcKeown
ITV News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
Glenavon complete European fixture against German side 65 years later than planned
A football match that should have kicked-off 65 years ago has finally been completed. It was a game scrapped because of the Cold War, but now Glenavon and German side Erzgebirge Aue have fulfilled their European Cup tie. The story of this game dates back to the 1960-61 season. Glenavon, as Irish League Champions, and the East German league winners, then known as Wismut, were due to face-off in a European clash. However, visa issues and the Cold War's Iron Curtain meant the game never went ahead. Fast forward to 2025 and fans travelled by plane, train and even bike to witness the game first-hand. Lurgan became a sea of purple as more than one thousand fans of the German club made the trip and could be heard in fine voice as they marched their way to Mourneview Park. Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin said: "An unbelievable day. Full credit to everyone involved. A brilliant day out for everyone, for both clubs. "They came over in their numbers... and it made it an unbelievable occasion for Glenavon football club. "Absolutely delighted to be part of it. We can do nothing but thank the boys for coming over and making it a special occasion." Captain Barney McKeown said: "The atmosphere they brought was brilliant. "It gives us a bit of a taste of what European football could be like. "As much as pre-season isn't really about results, more about performances, we certainly got a performance out of it that we were pleased with and it's something to build on." It wasn't to be Glenavon's day, falling to a 2-0 defeat and a 7-0 loss overall on aggregate. More than half a century on, there's nothing but respect between these two clubs. A reminder how the beautiful game can bring people together again. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Glenavon's 2024-25 season in review
2024-25 league position: 10thPlayer of the year: Barney McKeownThe appointment of Paddy McLaughlin in November helped to steady the ship at Glenavon after a disappointing start to the season had them languishing close to Stephen McDonnell, the Lurgan Blues went seven games without a win in all competitions and slipped to 11th in the table, four points off safety before he was relieved of his McLaughlin could only help them to finish one place higher, they were 14 points better off than Carrick Rangers below aim will be to build upon a solid foundation in which the Lurgan Blues became harder to beat and start challenging for seventh have already been busy in the transfer market, bringing in the experienced Kris Lowe from Cliftonville and youngsters Jordan McMullan and Oran O'Kane.2025-26 signings so far: Kris Lowe (Cliftonville), Jordan McMullan (Ballymena United), Oran O'Kane (H&W Welders)2025-26 departures so far: Mark Haughey (unattached), Harry Murphy (Glentoran, end of loan)
