SADNESS

Glenavon is saddened to learn of the passing of its former director, Oliver McAtamney.

Oliver served on the Board from 2001 to 2006. He supported the club for decades by his attendance at matches and his generous giving. He got behind many fundraising initiatives. For example, during the 1990s he sponsored the “Player of the Month” award.

He was born on Sunday 3^rd September 1939, forty-five minutes before Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced that Britain was at war with Germany!

The McAtamneys lived in Ballinacorr. Oliver’s dad, John, brought him to see Glenavon for the first time on the resumption of senior football after the War. Father and son made the journey to and from Mourneview Park by bicycle. The young fan was perched precariously on the frame.

He attended Lurgan Technical School in the 1950s where he was judged to be “Top Pupil” for three successive years. Despite his exam success, he was forced to go to London to find work. During his time there he met former Mr. Universe, Ludwig Shusterich who convinced him that health and fitness were the pursuits of the future. Although Oliver returned to Northern Ireland and took a job with Unicorn in Waringstown, bodybuilding and nutrition became his passion. In 1978 he won the “Irish Novice” bodybuilding title at Portmarnock.

In 1968 he became an instructor in the Mid Ulster Health Studio and two years later was appointed General Manager of the newly opened Craigavon Health Studio at Magowan Buildings, Portadown. The premises included an osteopath’s practice run by Belfast man, William Waters. Waters taught Oliver the essentials of osteopathic health care. In March 1975 the protégé was awarded a Certificate in Osteopathy by the London College of Osteopathy.

Later that year Oliver opened his own clinic at Church Street, Portadown and quickly gained a reputation for possessing “healing hands.” He famously – or infamously! – used his gift to ensure that Sandy Fraser played for Portadown against Glenavon in the historic 1991 Bass Irish Cup Final. On the morning of the big match Fraser woke at the Seagoe Hotel with severe stiffness and back trouble. The Scotsman contacted Oliver, and he worked his magic. A few hours later Fraser and his strike partner Stevie Cowan spoiled Glenavon’s – and Oliver’s – day as the Ports won 2-1 to clinch the League and Cup double.

Apart from football, Oliver’s principal love was Irish Country music. For many years he attended the Seagoe Hotel at weekends to hear the top bands perform live.

His three siblings pre-deceased him. His son, Michael, lives in Colorado, U.S.A.

Oliver was much loved. He will be sorely missed.

Sincere condolences are extended to the McAtamney family.

Be Just and Fear Not.