Irish League trophy tour dates and times as Northern Ireland hero hits the road to meet fans
Northern Ireland hero and former Irish League ace Stuart Dallas will be taking the Boyle Sports Premiership trophy on tour around Belfast later this month.
Dates and times have been announced for the road trip around the Belfast area on Saturday, September 26 offering football fans the opportunity to get a close-up look at the celebrated Irish League title silverware, plus meet Dallas.
Dallas progressed from the Irish League to a professional career in England plus finished with 62 international caps including Euro 2016 appearances.
The Trophy Tour stops feature Newtownards Road, Shaftesbury Square and York Road before finishing at Seaview as Crusaders – one of Dallas’ former clubs – host Bangor.
Dallas will join the tour across the day meeting fans, posing for photographs and helping celebrate the Irish League.
The tour will also include exclusive competitions for fans to win Premiership match tickets, NIFL TV passes and merchandise.
“The Boyle Sports Premiership is all about bringing supporters closer to the clubs, players and communities at the heart of Northern Irish football,” said Liam McKee, head of sponsorship at Boyle Sports. “Taking the trophy directly to fans across Belfast is a great way to celebrate the partnership and build excitement around the season.
“We’re especially delighted to have Stuart Dallas joining us for the tour.
"Stuart is hugely popular with football fans across Northern Ireland and we know there will be plenty of supporters keen to meet a player who has given so much to the game here.”
Dates and timings confirmed to date are as follows (event strictly 18+ only): SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: 10.30am – Boyle Sports, 275/279 Newtownards Road, Belfast; 11.45am – Boyle Sports, 15 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast; 1.15pm – Boyle Sports, 8 York Road, Belfast; 2.15pm: Seaview Stadium, St Vincent Street, Belfast, Crusaders v Bangor.
“The Trophy Tour is a great opportunity to bring the Boyle Sports Premiership directly into local communities,” said Regan McFarland, head of partnerships at the Northern Ireland Football League. “Fans are at the heart of Irish League football and we’re excited for them to meet local hero Stuart Dallas, see the trophy up close and share in the excitement around the season.
"We’re looking forward to seeing people come out and be part of the tour as it makes its way across Belfast.”