It is with regret that we announce the death of Honorary Vice-President and former Director, Raymond Hall. Raymond sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning. He was 88.
On behalf of everyone at Glentoran Football Club, we extend our deepest sympathy to Raymond's wife, Florence, children, Myrna, Gary & Iain, brother, Noel and the whole family circle.
Raymond Hall was raised in London Street, opposite Ormeau Park and developed a love for football and Glentoran in particular, from a very early age. The term' Life-long Glenman' is sometimes over used but certainly not in Raymond's case; attending his first Glentoran match aged just 4 years old and supporting the team well into his 80's.
Raymond Hall with the 1977 League Championship winning team
The Hall brothers, Raymond and Noel were permanent fixtures around the Oval and indeed anywhere where Glentoran were playing, for many years. The family often joked that the game wouldn't kick off until the Hall brothers had taken their seats! Glentoran President, David Chick remarked on hearing of Raymond's passing, "If there was a medal presented for the best supporters of Glentoran, it would undoubtedly go to Raymond and Noel Hall. Not only did they attend first team fixtures but they also took in the Seconds games and Youth games when they could."
Raymond & Noel
Raymond worked for McKibbins in Avoniel Road and in the 1970's would bring a bottle of dark rum to the Oval to be given out as a prize for a lucky purchaser of the Glentoran Gazette. McKibbins became part of the irish Bonding Group and Raymond, along with David Chick, put together the Smithwicks sponsorship deal, a deal which ran for many years and was very beneficial to the club.
He was elected onto the Glentoran Board in the mid-70's and travelled with the team to Turin, during which he'd organised for the entire party to visit Cinzano (see photograph below). Raymond also played a role in the appontment of Ronnie McFall as Glentoran FC manager.
Johnston Nelson, John Crossen, Raymond Hall & Tom McNeice with the players at Cinzano
Raymond's love of Glentoran never wained and he followed the team well into his 80's including travelling to Cork for the Setanta Cup final on the bus with brother Noel and his grandson. He will be sadly missed.
Raymond's funeral will take place this Thursday, 17th November, at 2:30pm at Roselawn Cremetorium and there will be refreshments afterwards at Shandon Park Golf Club.
Glentoran in Turin in 1977