Author: Paul Jenkins

We are delighted to announce the signing of 19 year-old striker Conal McWilliams-Small from Greenisland FC. The front man became a regular in the first team at Glenkeen Avenue over the last 18 months, and in that time he has made a huge impression scoring 51 goals in 53 appearances since the beginning of the 22/23 season.

Manager Stephen Small had this to say about our new number 14: “Conal is yet another exciting young player who comes to us with bags of potential. We look forward to working with him and hope that he will thrive in a Ballyclare shirt and push on to the next level.”

We’re delighted to announce our second arrival of the January transfer window, which sees the arrival of Lee McGreevy from Knockbreda. Lee is a young player who joins us with plenty of experience in the Playr-Fit Championship having spent the last five and a half years at Breda Park where he made 84 appearances scoring 13 goals.

Assistant Manager Chris Ramsey said: “We are delighted to get Lee on board. He is someone with great technique and vision as well as an eye for a spectacular goal. He has great versatility and can play a number of different positions across midfield or the forward line and we look forward to seeing him in action.”

Lee will wear the number 23 shirt.

Ballyclare Comrades is delighted to announce the signing of Caolan Donnelly on loan from Larne until the end of the season. A defensive midfielder, Donnelly wore the captain’s armband for Larne U20s this season, while he has also made one appearance in the Sports Direct Premiership for Larne.

Donnelly will wear the number 17 shirt during his time at the Comrades.

Manager Stephen Small commented: “I have known Caolan for almost 8 years through coaching. I’m delighted to link up with such a driven young player again and help further his development in his time with Ballyclare Comrades.”

We are also delighted to confirm that both Declan Breen and Michael Morgan will be extending their loans from Cliftonville until the end of the season.

In other transfer news, Ethan Simpson’s loan with the Comrades has been terminated due to injury and he has returned to Larne. We wish Ethan well for his recovery and all the best for the future.

Howard Beverland has also left the Club to join Bangor.

Our away fixture on Boxing Day to Newington has been moved to a 2:00PM kick off at Inver Park.

Our home fixture against Ballinamallard on 27 January 2024 will also be played at Inver Park, with a 3:00PM kick off.

Ballyclare Comrades via the club Commercial Director, Patrick Moore – are supporting our community by offering a number of opportunities for warehouse work with both Wincanton in Larne, and DHL in Mallusk.

Perhaps you a school leaver looking for your first job, or you’re currently out of work and looking for some ad-hoc temporary work or full-time hours? Maybe you currently work part time and would like to take on some extra hours, then Patrick would love to hear from you.

These roles are open to everyone in the community. If you would like to speak directly with Patrick for more information, don’t hesitate to contact him on 07581415223.

You can also click on the links below to apply for either job, or email Hannah Monaghan at [email protected]

Join Wincanton with Flexsource – Comrades in The Community

Join DHL with Flexsource – Comrades in The Community

We have a number of rescheduled matches coming up over the next few months. We thank the clubs involved for accommodating these changes, and to NIFL for their assistance in rescheduling these games.

Ballyclare v Annagh – Saturday 4 November (3pm kick off)

Ballyclare v Bangor – Saturday 2 December 2023 (3pm kick off)

Portadown v Ballyclare – Saturday 9 December (5.30pm kick off)

Ballyclare v Newington – Tuesday 12 December 2023 (7.45pm kick off)

Ballyclare v Ballinamallard – Saturday 27 January will be at a neutral venue, yet to be confirmed

Bangor v Ballyclare – Friday 23 Feb 2024 (7.45pm kick off)

Annagh v Ballyclare – Saturday 9 March 2024 (3pm kick off)

Ballyclare v Ards – Saturday 16 March will be rescheduled, with a new date TBC.

Welcome Ronan!

We can confirm the signing of 20 year old Ronan McAleer.

Ronan featured 39 times for Institute at both centre midfield and left side of defence. He will add versatility, competitiveness and quality to our squad.

Ronan will wear the number 20 shirt this season.

We are happy to announce the appointment of a new management team for our Under 18s competing in the National League. Michael Duff and Johnny Robinson make the step up to the 18s having managed our u16s last season.

We thank Aaron Fulton for all of his work and dedication with the U18s and wish him well as he joins the coaching staff at U21 level.