GLENAVON TO HOLD CAROL SERVICE AFTER LINFIELD MATCH

On Saturday 20^th December 2025 Glenavon will hold its annual Carol Service in the Bedeck Suite thirty minutes after the Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Linfield. In the absence of club chaplain, Rev. Paul Whittaker, proceedings will be conducted by lifelong supporter, Billy Fyffe. Billy, a Church of Ireland ministerial candidate, was recently appointed chaplain to the Glenavon Academy. In addition to his commitments as a theological student, he is a member of the Ministry Team at Shankill Parish Church. This week he has been preparing for Saturday’s event.

“It will be a traditional Christmas Service with some readings, carols and a brief message at the end,” he explained. “It should not last more than thirty minutes. Everyone will be made very welcome.”

Billy, a Christian for more than 15 years, believes that the Christmas story is as relevant today as it was at the birth of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago. “People are crying out for hope and positivity,” he said. “There is no greater message than that God has sent a Saviour who is able to transform lives and provide purpose and meaning. That is the true meaning of Christmas. It is the reason why, I think, the Carol Service is important.”

In September Billy moved back to Lurgan after a period in Downpatrick where he served as a Youth and Community Pastor for the Parish of Down and Dromore. “I was part of a Team which ministered in fourteen churches and in the wider community,” he said. “I loved the job, but I am delighted to be back in Lurgan again.” Billy has fifteen years’ experience in youth work both in the voluntary sector and in church settings.

He is in the third year of his studies at the Church of Ireland Theological College. He hopes to graduate in 2027 and begin his ministerial career as a Curate Assistant. “Things are particularly busy at the moment and will continue to be until I complete my degree course,” he added. “I usually spend one weekend in Dublin each month attending classes and have lots of other academic work to fit in around my day-to-day commitments. It can be hectic, but my wife and I firmly believe that we are following a path which God has mapped out for us.”

Billy attended his first Glenavon match – an Irish Cup tie against Ballyclare Comrades – in January 1998. “My father brought me,” he said. “I was eight years old. The tie ended in a scoreless draw. My next game was the semi-final when we beat Crusaders 4-2 at the Oval. That night Stephen Baxter wore the number nine jersey for the Crues. Unfortunately, we lost the final to Glentoran.”

Despite the disappointment of the defeat at Windsor Park, Billy became a more regular attender the following season and since then has never wavered in his support for his home town club. In fact, he has, over more recent years, made an important contribution as a member of Glenavon’s Media Team. Although the burdens of work and study forced him to step down earlier this year, he has returned to the club as the successor to Andy Williamson as chaplain to the Academy.

“Andy and I both serve on Shankill Parish’s ministry team,” he explained. “He has performed the role for quite some time and has done a great job but has decided to pass the baton to someone else. When he decided to step down, I was very happy to take it up. I am still feeling myself into the post.”

Billy hopes to begin attending training sessions and matches regularly early in 2026. “My job is to support the coaches and players by going to games and by being available on Mondays, Wednesdays and other times if required,” he said. “Everyone knows who I am. I am there to be a listening ear should anyone have any problems or issues they want to talk about.”

The fact that the Glenavon Academy has its own chaplain is, in Billy’s eyes, a very progressive step. “Addressing mental health problems is one of the big challenges of the age,” he said. “We read the stories in the press all the time about the bad things that happen, particularly to our young people, when mental health issues are allowed to fester. I also see it in my work with Shankill Parish. There are roughly 180 boys in the Academy, an additional 20 or 30 coaches and other volunteers and all their families. The Academy recognises that every one of these individuals, both young and old, is important and needs to be supported. Hopefully, I will be able to help with that.”

Billy is married to Jane. He has one daughter, Martha, aged five. Should anyone attached to the Academy need assistance, he is available to chat on a confidential basis. His mobile number is 07710 622180.