Merit Award Recipient - Gary Sproule
February 27, 2023
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen I am delighted to give tonight’s citation for Gary Sproule, an abiding loyal and long serving servant to Killen Rangers since they were formed some 41 years ago. I have had personal experience of what Gary contributed to his club when I played with Killen between 1988 to 1995.
In what might be a surprise to some, Gary’s football journey commenced in the late 1970s, whereby he kitted out on a Saturday morning for Derg Villa under the management of Castlederg High School’s P.E. teacher Derek ‘Ding’ Loughlin, before cycling the short distance in the afternoon from Killen to Spamount to feature for Dergview Reserves.
However, in 1982 when Killen Rangers were formed in Gary’s home village there was never going to be any other club for him. For the past 40 years he has been involved in some capacity, often in multiple capacities, of this volunteer-led, family-based club.
Gary recalls in the early days of the ‘Hawks’ progressing their way up the ranks, gaining promotion from Division Three in only their second season (1983-84) to Division Two. Killen Rangers continued to flourish and achieved promotion to the topflight Division One in 1987. Gary played a pivotal role in the first team playing as a hard hitting, committed midfielder. In his early playing days, he didn’t wear shin guards which are a required piece of equipment these days after becoming mandatory by FIFA in 1990. Andy Bogle, fellow Killen Rangers stalwart and a F&W Merit Award recipient commented he often came off the pitch with deep and long lacerations on both legs, but he never once complained. Some might say that the Leeds United supporting Gary’s combative committed style resembled that of a tenacious Billy Bremner, tough tackler and talker Johnny Giles or the grabber known as Vinnie Jones!
His first team playing career spanned until the mid-90s. Whilst others may retire and discover golf, or another pursuit Gary accepted the challenge of the player manager role with Killen Reserves. He capably led them to a Reihill Cup final at Omagh Town’s St Julian’s Road stadium. Unfortunately, Gary was cup tied having featured for the first team in the Mulhern Cup.
He never told me this but perhaps his omission was the reason they ended up runners up against Kevlin United. A humble Gary was quick to appreciate the off the field team who underpinned his decisions on the pitch and made his job easier balancing playing and management.
However, in 1998-99 now back as Reserve team player under the management of Robert Buchanan saw the Killen second string go a step further. Not only winning the Reihill Cup against Sperrin Athletic but also the Third Division. He noted that this was the time before the introduction of the reserve leagues. With a smile Gary fondly regaled that this season was his most enjoyable season of his playing career. His teammates comprised of an eclectic mix of young and old, who seemed to gel on the pitch and somehow always found a way of winning despite the odds! Killen Reserves lost only once in their 24 league games and won the division by an impressive 11 points from Enniskillen Swifts in second and 20 points ahead of Lisnarick in third.
Gary followed this up with a second spell of management with the Reserve team. Reluctantly he says, Gary eventually ‘hung up his boots’ for the last time in 2007 at the age of 45.
Running parallel with Gary’s playing career in the mid-nineties, Gary dedicated much of his free time at grass roots level and was responsible for the introduction of Killen Rangers Mini Soccer Centre and Football Fun Weeks. He was indebted to Trevor Erskine, IFA Development officer, for his guidance and support as the forward-thinking village club embraced this new dimension of football for all and concentrating on the youth in the North and West Tyrone area.
With the ever-increasing growth and interest at youth level, Gary managed a number of youth teams in the BKYL leagues. Indeed, in one season the stretched Gary was responsible for not one but three teams at under 13, 14 and 15 age groups. This was also in addition to playing at the same time. The adage ‘ask a busy man to do a job’ certainly resonantly rings true here! The success of the club at youth level was evident with multiple league and cup victories, growing the progressive football club and developing the next generation of youth and senior players.
Gary received two very special awards which I believe epitomises Gary as a player, coach, administrator and as a human being. In 2009 and 2011 he was deservedly voted by his fellow managers as the ‘BKYL’s Most Sporting Coach’. He recites this as the highlight of his involvement at youth level and something Gary perhaps values more than the haul of trophies and silverware he accrued over the decades.
Gary’s next venture, and yet another first for Killen was taking the Under 17 team to the Mid Ulster League in 2013. That season saw a clean sweep with victory in the Mid Ulster League, MU League Cup and the MU Knockout Cup. The flow of cups that season didn’t end there with his talented side claiming the BKYL Under 18 League title and Lowry-Corry Cup runners up position. The same gifted team also progressed to the semi-final of the Irish FA’s Harry Cavan cup, the only westerly representation amongst the final four. This heralded Gary’s last term as a youth team manager, however he still retained involvement holding the administrative roles as club youth secretary and treasurer. Even today Gary can be still spotted on Thursday nights assisting at Killen’s Mini-Soccer sessions.
Due to the success of the youth section, Killen expanded their football provision. They were one of the first in the area to introduce ladies’ football. Indeed, for a short time, Gary acted as treasurer of the ladies’ section and supported them as they established themselves in the NIWFA.
Most recently Gary’s roles within the club have included two spells as first team supremo managing at the highest level of the F&W, the latter period had him also doubling up as Chairman the same time. Gary chuckles when he recalled being Chairman had its advantages as it ensured that he could not be sacked!
Indeed, this is Gary’s fifth year as Chairman and a timely period of office as Killen Rangers have just celebrated their 40th anniversary.
Reflecting back Gary says his footballing story has been varied but a very fulfilling journey thus far. Gary quickly stressed that he will continue to serve his beloved Killen Rangers FC in whatever role that would be required of him in the future.
It is my now my pleasure as F & W League President to present the affable Gary Sproule, Killen Rangers Legend On and Off the Field for the last 40 plus years with his very much deserved Fermanagh and Western Merit Award.
Sam Dennison
F&W League President
24th February 2023