Extracts taken from Wakehurst FC 25th Anniversary (1969-1994). Available for download.           Adobe Reader Required Free at adobe.com

The Early Days

1969-70
Wakehurst was formed in 1969 in the Harryville area of Ballymena. Francis Smyth, Francis Best and Willie McIlroy formed the present club from the ashes of a junior league team of the same name which had folded the previous season. On August, 1969, Wakehurst took the field against Connor in the first round of the McReynolds Cup. For the record, the team that day was: Ivan Alexander, Billy Armstrong, Brian Rock, Francis Best, Bobby Bamber, Bertie Thompson, Norman Craig, Jim Cameron, Brian Craig, Ian Hunter and Colin Best. Francis, undoubtedly shattered by his hard work, named himself as sub. Connor emerged as 5-3 victors after extra time with Ian Hunter scoring two and Thompson with one. Better things were to come however as on the 14th of August, against Smithfield, Wakehurst clocked up their first win with two goals from Ian Hunter. Wakehurst finished runners up in their first season, not bad, but better was to come for the Harryville men.

1971-73
This was a much better season for the club. After 15 games Wakehurst lay third in the league. Noteworthy performances and games saw Kevin Carbery scoring a hat trick against the Amatuers whom Wakehurst beat 6-1, Hunter(2) and Craig were the other scorers. Against Raceview, wakehurst scored nine with Gary Erwin, arriving at the club from Ballymena United, opening his account with five goals. The free scoring Hunter, Thompson, Trevor Kernohan and Norman Craig also netted goals. Wakehurst reached the final of the Junior Shield, but lost 2-0 to Cromac Albion who had already won the junior cup . Silverware did come in the form of the Connon Cup which Wakehurst collected by beating Harryville Amatuers after extra time, the vital goal coming from recent manager Ian Gregg. The Toronto Cup also went into the trophy cabinet. Jock Moore scored all three goals in the 3-0 semi-final victory over Cullybackey. In the final Jimmy Foster scored twice to beat the Amatuers 2-0.

1976-77
A landmark in the History of Wakehurst F.C. was reached with the formation of the Olympic team. Brian Craig took on the role of manager with Leo O'Boyle as captian of the side. In their first year, Olympic won the league Championship, going undefeated in all 26 league games. Before the season was out they had also won the O'kane and Toal Cups.

1980-81
This was to prove a very successful season with Brian Rock's team winning four trophies and just failing to win the coveted Irish Junior Cup. Rocky's raiders lost out in the final to Ballynafeigh Methodists. In the run-up they disposed of Cloney Rovers, Bangor Parish, Jennymopunt (Grove United) and holders, 1st Bangor O.B. in the semi-final at Taylors Avenue, Carrickfergus.

Pastures New

1985-86

Having won the Ballymena and District Junior League for three seasons on the trot, Wakehurst decided to seek a new challenge in the highly competitive Northern Amatuer League. Their build up for their first term in the Amatuer included a friendly against Crusaders. Not surprisingly, the Irish League side came out 4-0 winners but wakehurst learned some pertinent lessons from the game. Player of the year was Pat O'neill with the young Player trophy going to Ian Cushenan. Olympics player of the year was Pat Jordan and for the fourth time Joe Boyle was leading goalscorer. Willie McClean and John Lorimer tied as leading scorers for the Olympic.

Shield Success

1989-90

Joe MacCall came in as manager of the Amatuer league side at the start of the new season. Brian Rock had given up the post due to work commitments. Sammy McVicker took over in the Olympic managers role. It was to be the year that Wakehurst won the Co. Antrim Junior Shield for the second time in their history-but they paid theprice for knock-out success as league fixtures piled up and eventually overwhelmed the team, which finished seventh in 2A. In the final wakehurst beat Baelfast Rangers 4-1. Goals from Jason Jordan, Herbie Kernohan, Cushenan and a penalty from Davy Douglas finished the game off.

A New Era

2002-

Ian Gregg took over as manager of Wakehurst in 2002 and the club entered the Irish League second division. The club now plays its home games at Ballymena Showgrounds, on the reserve pitch behind the main arena. During his tenure as manager Ian has guided the team to some memorable victories, the best of which must be the defeat of Premier League side Larne, who Wakehurst beat 2-0 at Inver Park to set up a dream tie against Glentoran in the County Antrim Shield. Although Wakehurst were beaten 5-0 at the Oval, they can hold their heads up high and left with all the plaudits for a magnificent display. But for a few tired legs in the last 5 minutes, in which the Glens scored 3, wakehurst put up a tremendous fight for the entire match. Because of work commitments Ian has stepped down as manager but is still heavily involved with the club and hopes to see the club promoted under new manager Neil Candlish.


Wakehurst v Ballymoney United 2007
Back Row : S.Mellon, A.Irwin, S.Drummond, C.Warren, R.Lyness, A.J.Mitchell, M.Crawford,R.Colville,C.Gregg
Front Row : R.Mellon, P.Boreland, C.Mullholland, K.Paul, S.McIlroy, P.Stevenson