'It gave everyone a lift' - Music star Paul Heaton makes surprise visit to Irish League football club Oxford Sunnyside
Irish League third-tier club Oxford Sunnyside had a star in the stands last weekend when multi-million-selling singer-songwriter Paul Heaton popped in for a surprise visit.
Heaton is fondly remembered for acclaimed work with groups The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, alongside his solo career.
Some of his most popular hits include “Happy Hour” and “Caravan of Love” – and he performed at last year’s Glastonbury with backing singer Rianne Downey.
The 62-year-old was staying in Armagh last weekend during his Northern Ireland tour and wanted to take in a football game.
It might not have been the glitz and glamour of the Premier League in England - or even Heaton's boyhood heroes Sheffield United - but Oxford Sunnyside's home fixture against Moyola Park got Heaton's nod of approval in the third tier of the domestic game.
In a social media post after the fixture, Oxford Sunnyside said of Heaton's appearance: "We’ve had many visitors to Knockramer Park over the years but no one could have predicted Saturday's surprise visit from ‘The Housemartins’ and ‘The Beautiful South’ legend Paul Heaton.
"What a gentleman, surrounded by his lovely family, friends and crew who all enjoyed our first team match and had the craic with our members afterwards. Paul kindly invited some of us to his gig in the Armagh Market Theatre on Sunday and backstage afterwards.
"It’s been an exciting few days to say the least. We can’t thank Paul, his gorgeous wife Linda and the crew enough. Rianne was missed but we’re delighted to hear she’s feeling better. We hope to see you all again in the future, you’re always welcome at Knockramer Park. Enjoy the rest of your tour and safe travels."
In response, Heaton posted on X: "Brilliant day at Knockramer Park yesterday with fantastic hospitality from Paul, Billy and the women in the backroom staff. Thank you so much and see you later."
Oxford Sunnyside might have lost 2-0 on the pitch but chairman Richey Magee says the appearance of the music legend helped to lighten the mood.
He reflected: "It's fantastic for the club and good publicity for us - even though I wasn't there on the day!
"It gave the club a real lift and it wasn't planned or anything like that.
"A few of our older supporters thought this gentleman looked a bit familiar and then we became aware of who he was and he had a bit of fun.
"He was welcomed into our club for some hospitality and refreshments, before kindly returning the favour for his gig in Armagh on the Sunday."