The NI Football League can announce the key dates for the Danske Bank Premiership, Bluefin Sport Championship, Bluefin Sport Premier Intermediate League and BetMcLean League Cup ahead of the fixtures release date on Wednesday 26 June.
Danske Bank Premiership
Fixtures release date: Wednesday 26 June 2019
Opening round of fixtures: Saturday 10 August 2019
Festive fixtures: Thursday 26 December 2019, Saturday 28 December 2019 & Wednesday 1 January 2020
Final round of fixtures before ‘split’: Saturday 21 March 2020
Final round of fixtures: Saturday 25 April 2020
Premiership Promotion & Relegation Playoff dates: Friday 1 May 2020 & Monday 4 May 2020
Bluefin Sport Championship
Fixtures release date: Wednesday 26 June 2019
Opening round of fixtures: Saturday 3 August 2019
Festive fixtures: Thursday 26 December 2019
Final round of fixtures before ‘split’: Saturday 21 March 2020
Final round of fixtures: Saturday 25 April 2020
Championship Promotion & Relegation Playoff dates: Tuesday 28 April 2020 & Friday 1 May 2020
Bluefin Sport Premier Intermediate League
Fixtures release date: Wednesday 26 June 2019
Opening round of fixtures: Saturday 17 August 2019
Festive fixtures: Saturday 28 December 2019
Final round of fixtures: Saturday 25 April 2020
BetMcLean League Cup
First round: Saturday 10 August 2019
Second round: Tuesday 27 August 2019
Third round: Tuesday 8 October 2019
Quarter finals: Tuesday 29 October 2019 Semi finals: Tuesday 3 December 2019
Dungannon Swifts are pleased to announce the signing of sixteen year old goalkeeper, Conner Byrne, from Glenavon FC. Conner will be joining as U18/20 Development goalkeeper with great prospects ahead of him. He has represented Northern Ireland at Under age level up to U17.
Head of Development, Dixie Robinson, pictured with New Academy signing, Goalkeeper, Conner Byrne.
“I wanted to get more game time and an opportunity with the first team. This is a great Club and I’d love to push through into the first team and get a regular spot with them, even if it’s on the bench to start.”
New Academy Signing – Conner Byrne
Head of Development Dixie Robinson is happy to have got Conner to Stangmore Park.
“I am delighted to have Conner on board, he’s a player we’ve always admired and we have kept an eye on his progress over the last couple of seasons. Obviously we know he has played a first team game with Glenavon, won a Mid Ulster Cup and I feel he is a massive asset to the club. It was fantastic to know that he wanted to join us and he can see that he has a future here. I think he can push on and become one of the best goalkeepers in the Irish League, if not better than that. He is a tremendous athlete and he has all the attributes to be a top, top player.”
It is with great pleasure we can announce that twenty two year old Goalkeeper, Sam Johnston, has agreed to sign a three year contract for Dungannon Swifts. Sam joins us from Ards FC where he has been exceptional on many occasions between the posts. Having spent the last two seasons with Ards, Johnston wanted to continue playing in the Premiership.
“I am really happy to sign for a Club like Dungannon Swifts. It’s been a long process to get my name on the piece of paper but I would just like to put on record my thanks to both Chairmen, Brian Adams (AFC) and Keith Boyd (DSFC), for helping to get it all sorted, so I could come here to Dungannon.
Dungannon is a real family Club and every time I come here, I’ve always had a good experience of people around the Club.
If it wasn’t for the poor start for us (Dungannon) last season I personally think we would have got close to the top six, if not that seventh spot. Definitely though, moving on to next season I think we have a good chance of getting that top six spot. I think we could even push on further than that and get good runs in the Cup competitions too. I’m really looking forward to getting started in a few weeks time.”
GOALKEEPER – Sam Johnston
Pictured: Chairman, Keith Boyd and Manager, Kris Lindsay, watch on as new signing, goalkeeper, Sam Johnston, signs on the dotted line for Dungannon Swifts.
Sam started his football career as a Linfield Youth Player from U13 – U19 level, he then progressed to play for H&W Welders leading him on to Ards, where Swifts Manager Kris Lindsay has admired him playing.
“I am delighted to get Sam over the line, he’s the best young goalkeeper in the League. He’s still only 22 but he’s got a lot of experience behind him and a lot of top performances.
I am very happy to get him on board, he can only get better with age. To secure him on a three year deal gives him plenty of stability as a player but also as a Club gives us that stability in a position where we needed it.
It’s a signing that we are looking to build the Club around, young, hungry players, who can improve and who can also hit the ground running. We want to mix them in with the experience that we already have here at Dungannon. Sam fits that build perfectly and I’m expecting big things from him. He’s a talented, talented goalkeeper and he’s a top person as well. Any dealings we have had with Sam he’s been excellent, I’m just delighted to get the deal over the line and it’s one we can start to build around. He’s at a good age where we can have the security of a three year deal and build the team around Sam and move forward, hopefully taking that into next season.”
MANAGER – Kris Lindsay
Welcome to Dungannon Swifts, Sam. We wish you well for the future between the sticks at Stangmore Park.
Pictured: (seated) Manager, Kris Lindsay with New Signing, Craig Taylor. Chairman, Keith Boyd. (Standing).
Kris Lindsay has completed the signing of attacking player, Craig Taylor, from Annagh United. Craig played most of his Youth football at Portadown, but spent two seasons with Dungannon at U14/15 level. He has been on the first team books at both Loughgall FC and Annagh United and is also a talented futsal player, for the Senior Men’s Northern Ireland team.
Nineteen year old Craig, who’s preferred position is left wing, can play in any of the attacking positions as well as left back. He will certainly bring some fresh competition to the squad in these areas of the pitch.
“It feels great to sign for Dungannon Swifts. From the time I spent at Dungannon United Youth I already know it’s a great family Club and that’s something I value. Big Kris (Lindsay) sold the club to me talking to him a while ago. Also, I’ve know both him and Chris Wright for a long time so I know that the training is going to be a top standard and exactly what to expect from them!
Playing futsal regularly has helped me with my first touch, close control and my awareness in tighter situations. Personally, I want to try and establish myself as a regular in the team and do whatever I can to help Dungannon do as best as possible. I will also help to ensure we finish as high as we possibly can in the League.”
NEW SIGNING – Craig Taylor
Manager, Kris Lindsay is delighted to get Craig signed up, ahead of preseason which will be commencing in just over a couple of weeks.
“Craig has come from Annagh United where he has had an excellent season. He is an attacking player with pace and a great left foot. Craig is one I’m looking forward to working with and giving him the opportunity to progress and show his talent in the top league. He is another player who is young, and hungry to succeed and one I’m excited to be working with.”
MANAGER – Kris Lindsay
Welcome to Stangmore Park, Craig. We wish you every success for the future.
Pictured standing, Assistant Manager, Chris Wright and Chairman, Keith Boyd along with new signing Callum Byers, (seated).
We are pleased to announce the signing of central defender, Callum Byers. The 21 year old joins us from recently relegated side, Ards FC. Manager Kris Lindsay expressed his delight at signing Byers;
“I am delighted to get Callum to the club. He’s a player I’ve been aware of for a couple of years now and he fits in perfectly with what we are trying to build at the Club. He’s young and hungry but still has good experience within our league and obviously in a position that we are looking to strengthen. I believe he will be a great addition to Dungannon Swifts and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Manager – Kris Lindsay
Callum who started his football career with Ridgeway Rovers was also on the books of Glenavon as a youth player before joining Linfield Youth team and Linfield Swifts. He joins us after having spent three years at Ards FC. His preferred position would be centre half but he is also able to play right back.
“I am delighted to be signing for Dungannon Swifts, I can’t wait to get started. When I first heard that Dungannon were interested in signing me, I was excited. I’ve heard it’s such a great family Club, everyone around the Club is super and there is a great manager here also, in Kris Lindsay. When I met Kris for the first time it was him who convinced me that I was making the right decision to join the Swifts. He sold the Club to me when he met me and I’m just hoping I can come here and be successful. It’s obviously going to be tough for us with a lot of money being pumped into the league, but I don’t see why here, at Dungannon, we can’t beak into the top six. It will be hard, and it will be a battle but I don’t see any reason why we can’t do it, there are many quality players here!”
2018/19 Danske Bank Premiership DSFC SuperFan, David Payne (pictured second from right) alongside Liam Curran, General Manager, Operations at Danske Bank, DSFC Secretary, Simon Graham and event host Pete Snodden, Cool FM.
Thursday evening saw SuperFans from all Danske Bank Premiership clubs attend a special ceremony at Windsor Park to be recognised for their support and dedication to the game.
Every local club has their share of dedicated fans – the ones who attend every game in rain, hail or snow, the ones who bring their children and their children’s children and create an entirely new fandom right to the ones who do a hundred little things behind the scenes to make our clubs work.
They are the lifeblood of the Danske Bank Premiership.
Each of the Premiership club SuperFans were celebrated during a ceremony held by NI Football League and sponsors Danske Bank at Windsor Park on Thursday evening, a special time to recognise the role supporters play in our clubs and our Premiership.
SuperFan nominations closed on 10 April 2019 with over 300 nominations across all 12 of the 2018/19 Premiership clubs. Winners were selected by an independent panel based on the number of nominations, dedication and the connection to their club. Each winner was also endorsed by their club as a true SuperFan.
The 13 supporters recognised as ‘SuperFans’ truly reflect the diversity of support within the Irish League and their stories remind us of what makes our league so very special:-
Ards – Sarah and Des Atcheson
A father and daughter duo who are both lifelong fans, Sarah and Des Atcheson have been at the forefront of the Ards Special Efforts Committee for the last decade – a small team of supporters responsible for raising much needed funds for the club and for championing Cancer Focus becoming the club’s charity partner.
Ballymena United – Bertie Morrison
Bertie Morrison has been a loyal supporter since he attended his first match as a 14 year old school boy, on 11 Feb 1953. Since then his love for the team has never waned, he never misses a home game and despite ill health tries to get to as many away matches as he can.
Cliftonville – Eamon Griffin
Eamon Griffin, a dedicated young man, described as a lifetime Cliftonville fanatic! Eamon goes to every home and away game, armed with his team flag and is often spotted watching the reserves and women’s teams during the weeknights.
Coleraine – Deborah Montgomery
Deborah Montgomery goes to every single home and away game, but what makes her so special is her love and commitment in bringing her son and his friend – both are massive fans, with autism and learning difficulties. They have been travelling together to every game for over three years now, and sponsor a player’s shirt in the boys’ names.
Crusaders – William McCord
Billy McCord epitomises everything about the local game. A role model with real conviction, passion and loyalty to his club – from Seaview to Lurgan, Scotland to Slovenia, he wouldn’t miss supporting his team in the most positive way possible. As an older fan, he brings the club together and ensures his traditions and morals continue on, from getting his daughter to knit red and black blankets for half the main stand, to sweets for the kids – he makes going to matches so much fun.
Dungannon Swifts – David Payne
David Payne never misses a game, but also supports his club in so many ways behind the scenes. From helping where he can in organising the gala ball and also helping secure much needed sponsorship for the clubs through his employers the Donnelly Group.
Glenavon – Gareth McCarter
Gareth McCarter is a constant presence in the stand at both home and away games – so much so that friends, family and other fans can’t remember him not supporting Glenavon! Gareth also helps out behind the scenes, helping to manage the live Twitter feed for the club’s online supporters during games. He’s always proud to wear his Glenavon colours when he plays five aside.
Glentoran – Philip Stevenson
From being a supporter of Glentoran since primary school days, to being a ball boy in the early 1980s, Philip Stevenson has also been a member of the 1923 Supporters Club – helping produce the award-winning matchday programme for the past 35 years as a contributor and editor. Since the formation of the Glentoran Legends football team in 2008, Philip has helped organise friendly matches, raising funds for charities and other worthwhile causes. In 2015, he wrote an excellent biography on Glentoran legend John Colrain, with all profits going to the British Heart Foundation. Philip even manages to find time to pour tea for any fan who feels the cold on winter match days!
Institute – Steven Heaney
Known by some as the biggest Institute fan in the world, Steven Heaney goes to see them in the freezing cold and lashing rain. He absolutely loves the club and talks about them all of the time. Steven supports Institute through thick and thin, through promotion and relegation. He even continued to travel to all ‘home’ games in Limavady when the team lost their ground to flooding last season.
Linfield – Jayne Niblock
Jayne Niblock has support Linfield since she was a child, and goes to every single game. As a member of the 1st Belfast Linfield Ladies Supporters Club, she helps out the junior blues by organising mascots and flag bearers at all of the home matches. Jayne is well known and appreciated within the club, and knows most of the club staff and board. When season ends, she hardly knows what to do with herself on a Saturday – just counts down the days until matches restart!
Newry City – Daniel Murphy
Daniel Murphy is always accompanied by his mum, and the pair never miss a match. They are the life and soul of the supporters bus where they always have tea, coffee, sweets, buns and biscuits for all. A truly wonderful family, and Daniel is a true SuperFan who is loved by all at Newry City.
Warrenpoint Town – Marcus Woods
For Marcus Woods, his club has been in his blood from day one, with his late father being a founding member of Warrenpoint Town. As a younger man, he wore blue and white with pride as a player and is now actively involved in the Academy. His generosity knows no bounds and there is now job too small! Marcus can often be seen volunteering as a steward on match days when called upon!
