Since the start of the current league campaign we have been under the guidance of a new Chairman Mr Paul McCabe, taking over from the outgoing Joe McAree who stepped down as Chairman in the off season.
We would like to take this opportunity to go on record and thank Joe for all the work he carried out as Chairman of Dungannon Swifts while also fulfilling the same position at Dungannon United Youth. Joe remains on the committee at Stangmore Park as our Community Relations officer and we look forward to working with him in this position. Now is your chance to meet the new man steering the ship from the boardroom side of things. We spoke to Paul during the week and he decided to tell us a little bit about himself for you all to become a little more familiar with him…
I just want to introduce myself to you as the new Chairman of Dungannon Swifts Football Club. I have always had a passion for football and have been a supporter of the Swifts for a long time.
I was born in Ballygawley and as a young lad I remember kicking football with my friends at a time when having a pair of boots was considered a luxury – how times have changed! My interest in football was fostered from my father, – a lifetime Manchester United fan, but don’t hold that against him! My parents lived in Manchester shortly after they were married and when my father was living there he was a regular at Old Trafford. Eventually, they moved back home to Ballygawley and then I came along, but as soon as I was able to walk I had to listen to his love for the Busby Babes. Not surprisingly I inherited his love for United, but the most influential player in my life was George Best, the Manchester United and Northern Ireland star.
I started work as a teacher in Dungannon Further Education College and when I was there my interest in Dungannon Swifts began and I regularly went to see them play. However, my work took me from Dungannon to another teaching post in Omagh, where I now live. This made it more difficult for me to attend matches but I never lost my interest in the Swifts football team progression.
In recent years, I rejuvenated my support for the club, and I have been a regular follower at their games. At that point, I was pleased to have been invited to become a member of the club Committee and have thoroughly enjoyed the wider involvement in the running of the club.
‘Swiftly’ (pardon the pun!) I found myself elevated to Chairman which has been a privileged and rewarding task past on to me by Mr Joe McAree, the outgoing Chairman. At this point, I would like to acknowledge all the work and achievements that Joe has brought to the Dungannon Swifts Football Club.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the encouraging work of the Committee, players, management and all those who work for the success of the club, and last but not least, each and every one of our supporters. Go Swifts!
Best Wishes
Paul.