Irish League Champions on this day
130 years ago today, Distillery lifted the Gibson Cup for the first time in our illustrious history.
We were crowned Irish League champions following a 2-1 victory over Cliftonville at Solitude in what was recorded as a “test match” (effectively a decider – the two teams finished level on points at the end of the league campaign).
Distillery’s goals were scored by the legendary Olphie Stanfield.
On 08th December we announced to announce a special, unique, “Three Crowns”, commemorative kit to mark the anniversary of that season. We won the league, completed our first league and Irish Cup double, and lifted the County Antrim Shield as well.
The kit will be worn once, on Saturday 07th February 2026 in our home league match against Ballyclare Comrades. It will then become a supporter’s/collector’s item. It will also be the first time in just over a quarter of a century that the famous Irish League club name – “Distillery” – will once again be on the front of our team shirts in a competitive match.
The complete kit costs £80 – for those on the 2025/26 “Buy A Shirt” Scheme (BAS) there is a reduced price of £70 to recognise their much appreciated support.
We thank Denis Nightingale, Jim Donaghy, Ivan White, Jim Mulholland, “The Glengormley Three”, the McQuillan Brothers (Ryan + Richard), Linton Addis, Ben Welsh and Colin Young who have all supported the club and will proudly receive their commemorative kits later in February.
Some kits are available, so if you want to acquire a piece of authentic memorabilia celebrating our history please get in touch with Colin Beattie or David Hunter on match days. Alternatively you can contact Colin on beattiecolin701@gmail.com
