On Saturday morning a service was led by Linfield Club Chaplain Paul Reid at Knockbreda Cemetery for the unveiling of the graves of two former players which have been restored by the Linfield Graves Project.

The graves belong to two Linfield & Ireland legends – Billy McCleery & Joe McAllen.

Chairman Roy McGivern also spoke at the ceremony which was attended by Director Jonathan Lamont alongside former chairman Jim Kerr and club ambassadors Eric Bowyer & Alan Frazer. A sizeable crowd of supporters were joined by members of the McCleery family to mark the opening of the restored graves. Les Irwin, representing Woodvale Cricket Club, spoke of Billy McCleery’s remarkable cricket career in which he also represented Ireland! 

The Linfield Graves Project founder Michael Cockcroft spoke in great detail about the careers of both Billy & Joe, highlighting their importance in the history of Linfield Football Club.

Michael commented after the unveiling:
“I would like to thank all those that turned out for the occasion – it is very much appreciated. It was wonderful to meet the McCleery family and it was also nice to see a great turnout from Woodvale Cricket Club, showing the high regard in which Billy McCleery was held. 
Yet again I would like to thank all those that continue to fund the project by buying our badges. Initially, it was  to be a one-off effort to restore Marshall McEwans grave but with the continued finance it has grown into an ongoing project.  ..And on that note,a Christmas related badge will hopefully be available in about 2 weeks time!”

Well done once again to Michael and his team on the Linfield Graves Project!