Everyone at Glentoran would like to warmly thank Club Secretary Ricky Rea on his imminent retirement after 10 years in the role.
During Ricky’s tenure as Secretary the parameters of the Secretary role have expanded significantly and in particular Ricky’s contribution to the process of securing the club’s domestic and European licenses each season has been immense.
GFC Chairman Ian Kerr paid tribute to Ricky:
“Few people I've ever met are as passionate Glentoran fans as Ricky Rea, and even fewer have done so much as Ricky since he took the job as Club Secretary in 2013.
The ever demanding and ever-increasing bureaucracy required to kick a football in the Irish League these days often beggars belief and would stretch any organisation. Indeed, today's role would be unrecognisable to most if not all of our previous Club Secretaries.
I am personally aware of some of the jobs Ricky has been asked to undertake because he took on the role of Club Secretary when I was standing in. So for that alone he has my undying gratitude.
Ricky is an Ardcarn born man who when he moved to Newtownards became a major figure in the Glentoran Supporters Club there. He was then involved in various club initiatives, ultimately taking on a range of match day duties before assuming the role of Club Secretary.
Even though I feel lucky to count him as a friend, without any bias it is important to state that Ricky has done a great job for our club, He will also be remembered as one of the great characters of our great club. It is hoped that he will stay in a new capacity well into the future on match days.
Happy retirement Ricky and the club's best wishes to you Deborah and the family for a long and happy retirement and I hope you enjoy a lot more success with your beloved team.”
These sentiments are echoed by everyone within the Glentoran Family who knows Ricky and is aware of the vast contribution he has made to Glentoran both as Secretary and as a volunteer for many years prior.
Thank you Ricky.
Ricky and Ruth McCreery receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from Vice Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Sir Nigel Hamilton in October 2018.
Ricky’s replacement as Hon Secretary will be announced in due course.