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New Media Releases | Media Releases Archive
Aberdeen Football Club legend Brian Irvine will attend the annual Sports Union
ball to be held tomorrow evening (Thursday, 12 February) at Ardoe House Hotel.
The Sports Union ball is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the university
calendar and this year will be no exception. The ball will be attended by 470
members of sports clubs, the Sports Union and VIP's.
The ball includes the presentation of University Blues to individuals who have excelled at their chosen sport. This year 18 half and 29 full blues will to be awarded at a Blues Reception before the main ball.
University Blues recognise the exceptional high standard that an individual has reached in their sport. Each club has Blues Standards; criteria that an individual must meet in order to qualify for a blue. The Blues Committee assesses each application for a blue, and awards the accolade to those that they believe to have achieved this high standard. Most of those receiving Blues have represented not only the University at sporting competition but also such teams as Scottish Universities, British Universities and Scotland U21.
Louise Watt, Vice-President Sport said: " The Sports Union Ball is definitely the night of the year, it is the ball everyone wants a ticket for. Of course, the ball is not just about the clubs all getting together and partying, it is where the achievements of our most talented athletes are recognised. The calibre of all those receiving awards tonight has astounded me, they have all given a great deal to their club and also to the University. Every club has performed brilliantly this year and we have no less than 11 qualifiers for the British Universities knock out stages, including Women's Squash who are ranked number 2 in British Universities so they will hopefully get a long run in the knock out competition. Each and everyone of the Sports club members put so much into ensuring that their clubs run smoothly and efficiently throughout the year, so the night really is a big thank you to all of them. "
Five trophies are also presented at the Sports Union Ball, the winners of these
are kept secret until the evening. The trophies are:
Allender Memorial Trophy. This is awarded to the "most deserving club".
This does not solely take into consideration a club's performance record, but
other criteria such as fundraising efforts or event organisation.
Blues Bowl This is presented to an individual who was in their 1st year of University
in 2002-03 and who, during that year, made an outstanding contribution to his/her
club both on and off the field.
The Centenary Club Presented to an individual or team who excelled participating
in a single event.
Sandy Morrison Memorial Trophy This is presented in memory of Sandy Morrison,
a groundsman of the University for many years and is presented to an individual
who has shown outstanding achievement at their chosen sport during the current
year.
AJM Edwards Memorial Trophy This is won by an individual who has made an outstanding
contribution to University sport over a number of years. This contribution can
be in the form of exceptional service, active and administrative roles, either
as a faithful club servant, committee member, coach or player.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Brian Irvine will be available with Louise Watt, Vice-President
Sport and the Sports Blues winners at Ardoe House Hotel at 6pm. Please advise
the press office if you would like to attend the photo opportunity: 01224 272013.
Brian Irvine was born in Bellshill. He started his footballing career at Falkirk, where he made his debut as an 18 year old. He moved to Aberdeen in 1985 where he was managed by Sir Alex Ferguson. He had 12 years at Pittodrie and is now firmly regarded as an Aberdeen Legend. Brian had the unenviable task of trying to break into a first team that boasted Miller and McLeish in the heart of its defence. He made his debut on the final day of the 1985/86 season and went from strength to strength gaining a reputation as a tough yet fair competitor. He always wore the red shirt with pride and was one of the clubs most loyal servants. His finest hour in an Aberdeen shirt was his dramatic penalty shoot out winner in the 1990 Scottish Cup final against Celtic, sending him to cult status among the Red Army. Brian fought the biggest battle of his life in 1995 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Drawing on his faith, Brian battled back to regain his place in the heart of the Dons defence. He was awarded a testimonial in 1996/97, Irvine made 387 appearances for the club and scored 41 goals for Aberdeen. Irvine made his International debut on Wednesday 12th September 1990 in a 2-1 win over Romania. During the next few years he won 9 international Caps which saw him play against Klinsmann, Gullit and Baggio. Irvine left Pittodrie for Dundee at the end of the 96/97 season. He joined Ross County in 1999 and in his first season was their top scorer despite being a defender. He is still at Ross County in a coaching capacity although still trains as a professional footballer just in case he is required.
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Last Modified: Tuesday, 09-Nov-2004 09:16:48 GMT