The Distillery Football Club was formed in 1880. The directors of Dunville & Co., especially James Barr, gave the football club their support and filled in a waste pond at the back of the distillery to create the club's first football ground. The club was based at Grosvenor Park in Distillery Street until 1971, after which it shared Skegoneill Avenue and Seaview with other clubs. In 1980 it moved to New Grosvenor Stadium, Ballyskeagh, County Antrim.
The Distillery Football Club changed its name in 1999 to Lisburn Distillery Football Club, after the location of its present home ground. Since the 2016–2017 season its back of shirt sponsor has been The Echlinville Distillery, who have resumed the production of Dunville's Whiskey.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Autumn Award
It's been an unusual autumn for the club, with cup exits meaning a lack of competitive fixtures in September and October, and a number of blank Saturdays.
Unable to make a monthly award for the solitary competitive matches played in September and October, we nonetheless wanted to recognise the on-field efforts of the players. So we were delighted to be able to announce a Dunville's Irish Whiskey "Autumn" player award last Saturday which took into account those earlier games plus the first game of November (against Knockbreda).
And as you will see from the pictures, congratulations to defender Jonny Angus, who won the award.
It's now the third time Jonny has picked up a Dunville's Irish Whiskey award. He won the Dunville's monthly awards in March 2023 and February 2024.
"THANK YOU" once again to Shane Braniff and everyone at the Echlinvile Distillery for their tremendous support. And congratulations again to them on the unprecedented success earlier this month at the Irish Whiskey Awards.
As we move rapidly towards Christmas you can find out about the entire award-winning product range at Echlinville at
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – August 2024
Many congratulations to midfielder Mark McKee on becoming the first winner of the "Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month" award during the 2024–25 season.
He has produced some great performances already, particularly in the league games against Rathfriland and Queen's University, and of course he netted the first league goal of the season at Iveagh Park in a great 2–0 away victory over Rathfriland.
Mark is pictured receiving a bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey, under the lights at New Grosvenor, from Lisburn Distillery manager Barry Johnston (right).
Well done to Mark for his great start to the season and picking up the August award.
Once again we say "THANK YOU" to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery – home of the iconic "Dunville's" brand – for their terrific, and continued, support with the monthly award.
There will be more winners to come in the season ahead, but in the meantime you can find out about the entire award-winning product range at Echlinville at
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Season 2023–24
Congratulations to Ryan McNickle who was announced as the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Season at our Awards Night on Saturday.
He had a great season and has scored 17 goals to date – and there are two games left. He is pictured receiving the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Season award and a bottle of the special limited edition release – "Dead Island 2 Dunville's Irish Whiskey" – from manager Barry Johnston.
Our huge thanks for the continued support of the Echlinville Distillery, owner Shane Braniff and his award-winning team over the season, and the warm applause for them on Saturday night shows how popular the monthly award and their backing is.
Remember if you are on the Ards Peninsula to call in and visit a number of attractions at the Echlinville Distillery. You can find more information on what's available on a great day out close to home at
Many thanks Shane, Suzanne and Anne-Marie.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – March 2024
Goalkeeper and club captain Ethan Carry was announced as the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month for March last Saturday.
Congratulations to him on winning the popular monthly award, he had a good month with a great performance against Dollingstown his stand-out game.
Ethan is pictured before Saturday's league game against Tobermore United.
It's Ethan's fourth Dunviile's Player of the Month award – he last won it in December 2022 before going on to lift the Dunville's Player of the Season Award which brings us along nicely to this Saturday and our annual awards night.
The Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Season 2023–2024 Award winner will be announced. Without giving too much away, at the start of the month any one of four players, based on performances over the entire season, was in with a chance to win the coveted award.
So come along on Saturday night, support the club and players and find out who has won this year's award. These awards would not happen without the superb backing of the multi-award-winning Echlinville Distillery. So once again we thank owner Shane Braniff and his award-winning team for their continued backing and support of Distillery.
You can find out the latest information about the Echlinville Distillery – opening times, the café, distillery tours and the entire award-winning product range at
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – February 2024
Roll on twelve months, well, almost but not quite – just under a year ago this month's winner lifted the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award for March 2023.
The young man is now a regular, indeed almost an ever-present, and he is Jonny Angus – so well done to Jonny on lifting this popular award for the second time.
Jonny is pictured receiving his award from Distillery manager Barry Johnston (right) before Saturday's league game against Moyola Park.
Congratulations again then to Jonny on a great month in terms of performances, his award is a bottle of a special limited edition release – "Dead Island 2 Dunville's Irish Whiskey". This edition was released to celebrate the sequel of the hugely popular video sequel from Deep Silver. It's a modern blend of pot still, malt and grain whiskeys aged in ex-bourbon casks.
Each month we are genuinely grateful to owner Shane Braniff and everyone at the multi-award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their great support. It's early spring, and if you are contemplating a trip down the Ards Peninsula do consider calling in at The Echlinville Distillery – you can find out information on opening times, the café, distillery tours and the entire award-winning product range at Echlinville at
In early February the distillery continued its fantastic run of success at the World Drinks Awards with 11 wins across three competitions – that's 113 global successes since opening in 2013. You can find out more information on those recent successes at
Congratulations again to Shane and the team – each award fully-deserved
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – January 2024
The first month of the new year has produced a new winner of the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award.
And it goes to a young man who has not only made an impact in the space of a few short weeks but he may also have scored possibly the goal of the season against Banbridge Town.
So a huge well done to Jack Berry, pictured here with his award before Saturday's league game against Rathfriland Rangers.
Congratulations again then to Jack on winning the popular award, a bottle of a special limited edition release – "Dead Island 2 Dunville’s Irish Whiskey". This edition was released to celebrate the sequel of the hugely popular video sequel from Deep Silver. It's a modern blend of pot still, malt and grain whiskeys aged in ex-bourbon casks.
"THANK YOU" as always to owner Shane Braniff and everyone at the multi-award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their great support and you can find out more about the entire award-winning product range at Echlinville at
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – November/December 2023
With only one game played in November, the latest "Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award" this time round also covers December when four more games were played.
And when everything was wrapped up, it was congratulations to Gerard Storey who was the latest winner of the popular monthly award.
Gerard received his award before Saturday's game against Banbridge Town, in which he scored a penalty, and is pictured receiving it from Lisburn Distillery manager Barry Johnston (left).
Well done again to Gerard with his award, a bottle of a special limited edition release – "Dead Island 2 Dunville's Irish Whiskey". This edition was released to celebrate the sequel of the hugely popular video sequel from Deep Silver. It's a modern blend of pot still, malt and grain whiskeys aged in ex-bourbon casks.
As we start a new year we send our best wishes for 2024 to our great sponsors and friends at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery. Congratulations to owner Shane Braniff and everyone on the team there on an award-winning 2023, and continued success to them all in the months ahead.
You can find out more about the entire award-winning product range at Echlinville at echlinville.com/brands.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – October 2023
There were just three games in October as cup competitions impact at this stage of the season but for the second month in a row one player remained at the top of the leaderboard.
So well done, and congratulations again to Conor McDermott who was the winner of the "Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month" award for October.
Conor is pictured receiving his award from Lisburn Distillery manager Barry Johnston (left) on Saturday before the team headed to the north-west for a friendly on Saturday. Well done again to Conor on picking up another award this season. All our monthly winners will each receive a bottle of a special limited edition release – "Dead Island 2 Dunville's Irish Whiskey". This edition was released to celebrate the sequel of the hugely popular video sequel from Deep Silver. It's a modern blend of pot still, malt and grain whiskeys aged in ex-bourbon casks.
A big "THANK YOU" once more to owner Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their continued backing of the monthly player awards.
We will be announcing the November "Dunville's Player of the Month" in December, but as Christmas is coming ever closer you can find out more about the entire award-winning product range at Echlinville at echlinville.com/brands.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – September 2023
A new month and a new name added to the list of our "Player of the Month" winners.
Many congratulations then to Conor McDermott who was the winner of the "Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month" award for September.
The versatile defender/midfielder showed his qualities in a variety of positions across the month and his performances saw him deservedly lift the latest award.
Conor is pictured receiving his award from Lisburn Distillery manager Barry Johnston (left) before our game against Dollingstown on Saturday.
Well done again to Conor on picking up the September award.
Our monthly winners this season will each receive a bottle of a special limited-edition release – "Dead Island 2 Dunville's Irish Whiskey". This edition was released to celebrate the sequel of the hugely popular video sequel from Deep Silver. It's a modern blend of pot still, malt and grain whiskeys aged in ex-bourbon casks.
Our sincere thanks once again to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their superb support and congratulations to them on their announcement today of a further £5m expansion plan, excellent news.
There will be more winners to come over the season, but in the meantime you can find out about the entire award-winning product range at Echlinville here.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – August 2023
A new season, a new winner – so many congratulations to midfielder Johnny Newell who is the first winner of the "Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month" award during the 2023-24 season.
His season got off to a cracking start with two goals on the opening day of the season against St James Swifts in the Irish Cup, the first after just 20 seconds! He followed that up with a goal against Tullycarnet in the second match of the season and on Saturday he picked up his award, a bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey, before our game against East Belfast.
He is pictured receiving his award from Lisburn Distillery manager Barry Johnston (left).
Well done to Johnny for his great start to the season and picking up the August award.
Once again we say "THANK YOU" to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their terrific, and continued, support with the monthly award, now in its eighth season.
More winners to come, but in the meantime you can find out about the entire award-winning product range at Echlinville here
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Season – Ethan Carry
Congratulations to goalkeeper Ethan Carry who was announced as the "Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Season" at the club's "Awards Night" on Saturday.
He picked up three monthly awards over the season and although he missed the last six games of the season through injury, he proved a worthy winner. He missed those games after fracturing his wrist in the game against PSNI, and was unable to hold both awards – the Player of the Season trophy, and his bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Whiskey – on the night, and was given a helping hand by club director, Ged Irwin (left).
We once again thank Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery without whose support and backing these awards simply would not happen. It's a great incentive to the players and a tangible link to our historic past that we as a club are immensely proud of to this day.
If you are planning a summer visit you can find out more about everything the Echlinville Distillery has to offer for a great day out and beyond, in terms of opening hours, cafe and shop opening hours and the award-winning product range here.
Well done again Ethan and we hope to see you fully fit again ahead of the new season starting in August.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – April 2023
Six league games in April meant there were plenty of points to be earned as the 2022/23 season headed towards its conclusion.
When all the ratings were in, remarkably, five players were separated by just four points – Josh Lynch, Jake Willis, Jonny Angus, Jourdan Shearer and Michael Gallagher all in the frame for the monthly award. And it went to the player who doesn't have a "J" in his name – Michael Gallagher.
Congratulations to Michael, who scored 5 goals during the month, on winning the Dunville's Player of the Month Award for April.
He received his bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey from manager Barry Johnston ahead of our final game of the season against PSNI on Tuesday night
Well done again to Michael on winning the award and to the team for turning things around with a number of great performances since January.
We thank Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their support over the season and backing the awards every month.
If you are down the Ards peninsula or planning a trip over the summer do consider calling in at the distillery – you can find out what's available before you travel in terms of information on the distillery tours, shop and cafe opening hours, along with details about the many award-winning products and all the other top quality products from Echlinville here
The Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Season will be announced at the club's "Awards Night" on 13th May.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – March 2023
A new month, a new award and a new winner.
Congratulations to young Jonathan Angus who won the Dunville's Player of the Month Award for March 2023.
The young defender saw off close competition from two other young team-mates, Odhran McCart and Jake Willis, to deservedly win the March award
With manager Barry Johnston away at the weekend Jonathan received his award, a bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey, from Distillery coach Brendan Shannon before Saturday's game against PSNI at The Dub.
Well done again Jonathan, our thanks once again to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for backing the awards every month. Congratulations to Echlinville too: Dunville's Irish Whiskey won two major accolades at the World Whiskies Awards in London at the end of March.
These were Ireland's Best Single Malt (Dunville's 21 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt) and Ireland's Best Single Cask Single Malt Whiskey (PX 20 Year Old Cask Strength, Cask 1644).
You can find out more about the award-winning products and all the other top quality products from the Kircubbin based distillery here along with details of the distillery tours, shop and cafe opening hours during the week.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – February 2023
A great month saw Distillery move four places up the league into seventh spot and those results and performances meant a lot of players were in the running for the February award.
But in the final analysis it's congratulations to Josh Lynch on being another worthy recipient of the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award.
He has been an almost ever-present player over the season, and his midfield performances over the month closed the door on a close challenge from fellow midfielder Johnny Newell.
Josh was delighted to receive his award before Saturday's League game against Limavady United. He is pictured with his bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey.
Well done Josh and another big "THANK YOU" to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for making these awards happen with their great support.
You can find out more about the award-winning products from the Kircubbin based distillery here along with details of the distillery tours, shop and café as we look ahead to the clocks going forward shortly.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – January 2023
A busy month with five games, a lot of new faces and two important wins meant that the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award for January was going to be hotly contested.
That proved the case, and congratulations to defender Adam McCart on his award as he just edged out goalkeeper Ethan Carry in the tightest finish to a month so far this season.
Adam joined us in January and has made a big impact on the pitch. He received his award before Saturday's League game against Dollingstown and is pictured with his bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey.
As always our thanks and best wishes to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for supporting our popular award. It has been a difficult start to the year for Echlinville following the sudden passing of distiller Greg McClelland recently and we think of his family and friends, and our friends at Echlinville at this time.
You can find out more about those at echlinville.com/brands
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – November/December 2022
With only one competitive game in November and then one in December as the fixture list and weather conspired against us, the latest Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month award covered both months.
The award was presented last night ahead of our league fixture against Dollingstown and congratulations to goalkeeper Ethan Carry who picked up his third award of the season – Ethan is pictured after his pre-match warm-up last night with a bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey.
With four monthly awards remaining, Ethan is clearly the man to catch but with all the months ahead full of vital league fixtures there is time for others to stake a claim for the overall Dunville's Player of the Season award.
Our thanks, and best wishes for 2023, to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery – may it continue in positive form right across all the award-winning products distilled at the Kircubbin-based Distillery.
You can find out more about those at echlinville.com/brands
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – October 2022
We have a new winner in relation to this season's Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month awards.
So many congratulations to young midfielder/forward Dylan Sinnerton who is the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month winner for October 2022.
He performed well right across all the games in the month and received his award – a bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey – from Distillery manager Barry Johnston before the game on Saturday against Armagh City
Well done again to Dylan on his award and our thanks to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery without whose great support these popular awards would not happen. With the nights drawing in and Christmas on the horizon remember you can find out more about the great award-winning product range at the Echlinville Distillery, along with delivery options at echlinville.com/brands
With Distillery's next game cancelled due to a cup fixture taking precedence for our scheduled opponents Dollingstown, it means there will only be one competitive game this month as things stand. As such we will run a combined award for November/December (which has three scheduled league games).
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – September 2022
Two out of two for Distillery goalkeeper Ethan Carry who was the "Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month" award winner for September.
It was his second "Dunville's" award of the season and he is pictured receiving his bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey from Distillery manager Barry Johnston (right) before the game on Saturday against Moyola Park.
Well done to Ethan on winning the September award and to the team that went on to show great spirit in the game against Moyola Park to record a first league win of the season.
Once again many thanks to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their terrific support and backing with the monthly award. There will be a few players looking to get their hands on the award for October when we announce the winner in early November.
You can find out more about the entire product range at Echlinville at echlinville.com/brands
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – August 2022
A new name has been added to the "Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month" award winners: Ethan Carry.
The Lisburn Distillery goalkeeper is the first winner of the award in the 2022/23 season and receives a beautiful bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey.
Well done to him on winning the award for August.
Once again, we say "THANK YOU" to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their terrific, and hugely appreciated support with the monthly award, now in its seventh season.
You can find out more about the entire product range at Echlinville at echlinville.com/brands
Dunville's Player of the Season – Jonah Nicholl
Congratulations to Jonah Nicholl who was announced as the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Season for 2021-2022 at the club's "Awards" event on Saturday evening.
Jonah was presented with his award by club director Terry Thompson.
Well done to all our monthly award winners over the course of the season and our genuine "THANKS"to Shane Braniff and the award-winning and innovative team at The Echlinville Distillery at Rubane on the Ards Peninsula here in County Down.
This is the fifth year that the Echlinville Distillery has backed the monthly awards; they take a keen interest in what we are trying to achieve here at Distillery and have supported us wholeheartedly over that period.
You can find out more information here about all their award winning products and remember distillery tours – Tour and Tipple – will be resuming once again in a few weeks' time.
Not only does Jonah add himself to the list of annual winners, but congratulations to him again in becoming the first player to win the annual award on two occasions.
The previous Echlinville Distillery/Dunville's Player of the Season winners are:
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – April 2022
The winner of the final Dunville's Whiskey Monthly Award for the 2021/22 season was announced ahead of our last game of the season against Tobermore United on a somewhat wet Tuesday night.
There were seven games in the month (the highest in any month this season) and at the end of a mixed month in terms of the results on the pitch, goalkeeper Jonah Nicholl edged out midfielder Stephen Sullivan over all those games.
Congratulations to Jonah, not only on lifting the award for April but also on equalling Matthew Ferguson's overall monthly record of four awards since the wonderful backing of our friends and sponsors at The Echlinville Distillery began.
This was also Jonah's third award this season and that levels the scores between him and young defender Christian Irvine who had the misfortune to miss three games in April through suspension.
Our sincere thanks for the huge support and interest from Shane Braniff and the award-winning team at Echlinville who have very generously backed the club and awards in terms of what we are trying to achieve each month.
As we approach late spring and summer, we are delighted to confirm that after a two-year break following the pandemic the Echlinville Distillery is re-opening to visitors with a new look Tour & Tipple Experience on the 25th June – it's a visit well worth making and you can find out more information on echlinville.com
There is of course one more Dunville's award to come – the coveted Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Season Award for the 21/22 season. That will be presented at the club's Award Night, in the Social Club at New Grosvenor on Saturday 21st May.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – March 2022
The first hat-trick of the season – so congratulations to our young defender Christian Irvine who picked up the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award for March 2022 at New Grosvenor on Saturday.
That's his third Dunville's Whiskey Award of the season and as you can see from the photograph he was delighted with that achievement and that stunning bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey.
"WELL DONE" again Christian
Many thanks once again to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their continued support of, and commitment to, the monthly awards.
You can find out more about distillery tours and the entire product range at Echlinville at echlinville.com/brands
There is no doubt our Scandinavian supporters and friends like it – we hear that a few bottles have been opened and are being enjoyed in Denmark and Sweden following their visit last week.
We will be announcing the April winner in a few weeks' time, and the Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Season will be announced at our end of season awards event. April is a busy month in terms of fixtures and hopefully we can record a few good results to raise a glass to.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – February 2022
With no home game this month until 26th March, we announced the Dunville's Player of the Month for February 2022 at Holm Park, Armagh, on Saturday.
And it was congratulations to young defender Christian Irvine who picked up the popular award for last month..
It's Christian's second award of the season; he won the Dunville's Player of the Month back at the start of the season for August 2021. He is also joined by Jonah Nicholl on two awards this season so far.
A huge "WELL DONE" to Christian again, he is pictured after the match at a sunny but cold Holm Park with a beautiful bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey.
We once again send a big "THANK YOU" to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their terrific and continued support with the monthly award. It is also good to see the return of an old favourite to the Echlinville and Dunville's line-up – Dunville's PX 10-year-old single malt – a classic that has appeared at the club a number of times.
You can find out more about the entire product range at Echlinville at Echlinville.com/brands
We will be announcing the March winner in early April.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – January 2022
January was a good month on the pitch, an unbeaten run, really good team performances; so it was going to take something a little bit special to lift the monthly award for January.
So well done to Michael O'Hanlon who was announced as the winner of the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award for January 2022 on Saturday. He capped off a great month with a superb solo goal against Bangor.
It's the second time he has won the monthly award – his previous win was in September 2019.
Congratulations again to Michael pictured after the match with a beautiful bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey.
Our continued thanks and appreciation to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their terrific support with the monthly award. Congratulations to Echlinville as well on their recent accolade in the World Gin 2022 Awards with Weavers Gin being announced as Ireland's Best Classic Gin for the second time, and Echlinville Gin picked up the silver medal.
You can find out more about the entire product range at Echlinville at Echlinville.com/brands
We will be announcing the February winner at our first home game in March.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – December 2021
A new year, new month, new winner (and a new bottle of Dunville's to be won).
Saturday was our first fixture since 18th December and it was time to announce the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award for December 2021.
Results and performances were good, and still improving, so well done to Lewis Higginson who came out on top in a keenly contested month.
The former academy player returned to the club at the start of the season, and fittingly in the context of the award, his performances have been maturing over the last few months.
Congratulations to Lewis on lifting the coveted award: a bottle of Dunville's 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey.
"1808" is the most recent addition to the award-winning Dunville's line-up, its name is a tribute to the year in which Dunville's Irish Whiskey was founded in Belfast, and is a blend of malt, grain and pot still whiskeys.
We once again thank Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their terrific support with the monthly award and we have re-worked the monthly award's logo to reflect the new spirit at Dunville's and here at Distillery.
You can find out more about the entire product range at Echlinville at https://echlinville.com/shop/
We will be announcing the January winner before our home game to Dollingstown on 5th February.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – November 2021
Barry Moore is the latest winner of the coveted Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award.
He picked up the Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month award for November on Saturday before our home game against Moyola Park.
It was a close month with Barry going head to head with Joe Reid over all five games for the award.
Barry is pictured with his award, a bottle of Dunville's Three Crowns, and in action, on Saturday.
Congratulations to him on his performances last month and a huge "THANK YOU" to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their continued support.
Although Christmas is getting closer there is still time to gift someone a quality award-winning product from the Dunville's range alongside Echlinville's other premium products – you can find a wide range of gifts at the on-line Echlinville shop (https://echlinville.com/shop/)
Please note the last posting date for Christmas and any product discount codes along the top of the shop home page.
We will announce the December winner at our first home game in January.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month – October 2021
It was time to announce the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award for October 2021 on Saturday.
And the monthly winner – for the second month running – was goalkeeper Jonah Nicholl.
During the month, he turned in some impressive performances, particularly in the Toals Steel & Sons quarter-final penalty shootout against Abbey Villa.
Well done to him on lifting the coveted award; Jonah is pictured just before his warm-up on Saturday with another magnificent bottle of Dunville's Three Crowns.
Once again, the club and our supporters extend their genuine thanks to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for their terrific support with the monthly award
A new month and list of fixtures has now started – we will announce the November winner in a few weeks' time.
Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month – September 2021
We were delighted to announce the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award for September 2021 on Saturday.
It was a very close month and goalkeeper Jonah Nicholl did enough to edge out some close competitors when the ratings were collated. The former Distillery number one – who this season has opted to play as number 25 – had a really good month with an outstanding game against Loughgall in particular. In a magnificent first-half performance he produced a string of top saves.
As always, we thank our very generous award sponsor Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery for supporting us with the monthly award, which adds a little bit extra to aim for throughout the month and over the season.
Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month – August 2021
It's been a long wait but on Saturday we were delighted to announce the Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Month Award for August 2021.
Our last award, for February 2020, was announced way back on 22nd March 2020 and the latest award went to first-time winner Christian Irvine…
Congratulations to Christian, who has settled very well in defence, he picked up his award before the match against Newington – well done to him for his performances last month, he is pictured with his award on Saturday.
Our thanks to Shane Braniff and his team at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery who have been great in backing the popular monthly award over recent years.
All being well, we will be back to announce the September 2021 winner in early October.
Dunville's Irish Whiskey Awards return
With the competitive season set to commence this Saturday we are delighted to announce the return of the popular "Dunville's Irish Whiskey Awards".
This is the fifth season now that the awards have been very generously sponsored by our very good friends at the award-winning Echlinville Distillery on the Ards Peninsula.
Our plan is to continue as we have done in the past with monthly awards, however given uncertainty in the months ahead, changes in fixtures etc we plan to make awards after every three competitive fixtures if there are less than three games in a calendar month.
As we head into the new season it's great to see "The Spirit of Belfast" back and there for the winning.
The previous winners have been:
Published on the BBC News website, 13 October 2020
Echlinville Distillery: Dozens of jobs created in £9m expansion
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for February 2020 was won by Chris Getty. Chris completed a hat-trick, having won the December and January awards. Unfortunately with football postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic no formal presentation could take place. Photograph by David Hunter.
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for January 2020 was won by Chris Getty. Chris (left) also won the December award. He was presented with his award for January by manager Stephen Hatfield. Photograph by David Hunter.
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for December 2019 was won by Chris Getty. Chris (left) was presented with his award by James McAuley, who is a member of the first-team management team. Photograph by David Hunter.
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for November 2019 was won by Timmy Clarke. Timmy (left) was presented with his award by Distillery manager Stephen Hatfield. Photograph by David Hunter.
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for October 2019 was won by Jonah Nicholl. Jonah (left) was presented with his award by Distillery assistant manager Nick O'Neill. Photograph by David Hunter.
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for September 2019 was won by Michael O'Hanlon. Michael (left) was presented with his award by Distillery manager Stephen Hatfield. Photograph by David Hunter.
Dunville's VR 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey in a collector's box which also contains a sample of the 41 year old rum from the Port Mourant casks that The Echlinville Distillery refilled with the single malt whiskey, a reproduction Dunville's Whisky mirror, and a limited edition book "Dunville's The Legend".
The Echlinville Distillery have resumed the production of Dunville's Whiskey and they are one of the sponsors of Lisburn Distillery Football Club.
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for August 2019 was won by Daire Rooney. Daire (left) was presented with his award by Distillery manager Stephen Hatfield. Photograph by David Hunter.
30 July 2019
Iconic "Dunville's" brand continues to back Distillery
Lisburn Distillery Football Club is delighted to confirm that the award-winning Echlinville Distillery is continuing its much-valued sponsorship and proudly continues as their "Back of Shirt" sponsor for the 2019–2020 season.
Read more on the Lisburn Distillery Football Club website.
The Dunville's Irish Whiskey Player of the Year for the 2018–2019 season was announced at the club awards dinner on Saturday 11th May and the winner was goalkeeper Jonah Nicholl. Photograph by David Hunter.
New Lisburn Distillery manager Stephen Hatfield. Photograph by David Hunter.
Published on the Lisburn Distillery Football Club website, 23 April 2019
Lisburn Distillery wish to confirm the appointment of Stephen Hatfield, Nick O'Neill and Graeme Steenson as the new management team at New Grosvenor.
All three men worked together previously at Donegal Celtic where they took them to the brink of promotion from the Premier Intermediate League in their first season in the division and it is clearly that sort of performance that we are hoping they will bring to Lisburn Distillery.
Both Stephen and Nick hold UEFA "A" Licences with Nick having been previously at the club under Tommy Wright and Tommy Kincaid.
Following recently held interviews a club spokesperson commented "Stephen and his team displayed a very high level of enthusiasm, determination and knowledge during our recent interview process and we welcome them to the club."
Published on the Lisburn Distillery Football Club website, 5 April 2019
Lisburn Distillery wish to announce that following job offers from another club [Harland & Wolff Welders Football Club] the management team of Colin McIlwaine and George O'Boyle have today tendered their resignations as managers at the club.
The club thanks Mac and George for all their efforts whilst at Distillery and wish them every success for the future.
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for March 2019 was won by Daire Rooney. Daire (centre) was presented with his award by Aaron Harris and Stephen Curley (right). Photograph by David Hunter.
Daire Rooney (right) was interviewed by David Hunter about winning the Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month award, after the game against Annagh United. Watch the interview on the Lisburn Distillery Football Club Facebook Page.
Jonah Nicholl (right) won the Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for February 2019. He is pictured receiving his awards from Lisburn Distillery manager Colin McIlwaine. Photograph by David Hunter.
Jonny McCaw (right) won the Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for January 2019. He is pictured receiving his awards from Lisburn Distillery manager Colin McIlwaine. Photograph by David Hunter.
World Whiskies Awards
Dunville's Three Crowns Blended Irish Whiskey: Best Irish Blended Whiskey 12 Years and Under
Dunville's VR Single Malt Irish Whiskey: Best Irish Single Malt 12 Years and Under
Dunville's VR Very Rare Single Malt Irish Whiskey: Best Irish Single Malt 13-20 Years
Congratulations to our good friends at The Echlinville Distillery: Dunville's net THREE awards at World Whiskies Awards. More on Dunville's journey so far on Barry Chandler's YouTube video: Stories and Sips, Episode 22: "Echlinville Distillery – Northern Ireland's Whiskey Upstart".
Dunville's, Distillery, through the polar vortex
As our pictures show, our shirt made it safely to Thomas S Dunville, in Indiana, USA.
Thomas saw our recent shirt advertisement on social media and given his family connection – he can trace his lineage back to William Dumvill who died in 1793 and is buried in Shankill Cemetery, Belfast – he got in touch with a simple message: "I need one of those shirts."
William Dumvill's son, Richard Andrew Dumvill (the family surname was later changed to Dunville), went from Belfast to South Carolina in 1773 – that was a long journey by ship and horseback then. Today our shirt took five days to reach Indiana, making it through last week's polar vortex across the USA (-11° but feeling like -36° with the wind-chill effect in Indiana).
"Thank you again for all the effort" said Thomas from a then very cold part of America. "You have helped me connect to my family's history and the good things it helped create."
Our thanks to Thomas for getting in touch and purchasing one of the last shirts available this season – the Dunville's name (and award-winning whiskey) still to the fore after so many centuries.
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for December 2018 was won by Barry Moore. He is pictured receiving his awards from Lisburn Distillery manager Colin McIlwaine (right). Photograph by David Hunter.
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for November 2018 was Alan McMurtry, pictured receiving his awards from Lisburn Distillery's management team of George O'Boyle (right) and Colin McIlwaine. Photograph by David Hunter.
The Dunville's Whiskey Player of the Month for October 2018 was Conor Curran, pictured receiving his awards from Lisburn Distillery's management team of George O'Boyle (left) and Colin McIlwaine. Photograph by David Hunter.
On the 31st July 2018, the link between Dunville's and Lisburn Distillery Football Club was strengthened when the club announced that the "Dunville's" name would be on the back of the playing shirts thanks to the continued sponsorship by The Echlinville Distillery. The spirit still flows on and off the pitch.
Pictured with the 2018-2019 shirts at Echlinville Distillery are Clare Quinn (Sales, The Echlinville Distillery), Terry Thompson (Director, Lisburn Distillery Football Club) and Suzanne McCullough (Marketing, The Echlinville Distillery). Photographs above and below by David Hunter.
Kindred spirits: Christopher Dunville, great-grandson of Robert Lambart Dunville (1893-1931), the fifth and last chairman of Dunville & Co. Ltd., and Shane Braniff, owner of The Echlinville Distillery, at The Echlinville Distillery on 5 July 2017. Photograph by Sam Christie.
The Echlinville Distillery have resumed the production of Dunville's Whiskey and they are one of the sponsors of Lisburn Distillery Football Club.
Kirsten Young (right), who is a granddaughter of William Gustavus Dunville (1900-1956), meets Princess Anne, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth, at the Dunville VC Ride Pass-Off at Hyde Park Barracks on 29 June 2017. Also, from left to right: Captain Arthur Soames, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, who is a great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965), Warrant Officer Paul Holliday, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and Christopher Dunville, who is a great-grandson of Robert Lambart Dunville (1893-1931). Kirsten gave the jar of maple syrup to Princess Anne. The photograph was taken by Tom Young, Kirsten's husband.
Kirsten Young, granddaughter of William Gustavus Dunville (1900-1956) and great-granddaughter of John Dunville Dunville (1866-1929), the fourth chairman of Dunville & Co. Ltd., Shane Braniff, owner of The Echlinville Distillery, and Tom Young, Kirsten's husband, at The Echlinville Distillery on 27 June 2017.
The Echlinville Distillery have resumed the production of Dunville's Whiskey and they are one of the sponsors of Lisburn Distillery Football Club.
The Echlinville Distillery Player of the Month for October 2016 was Stephen Curley.
Following a month with three clean sheets, goalkeeper Tony Galbraith and defenders Padraig McParland, Tirrell McCrory, William Wharry, Darren Doherty and Timmy Clarke all scored well, but it was Stephen who came out on top. He received his award from manager Colin McIlwaine (left) and assistant manager George O'Boyle (right).
Congratulations to Stephen on his award.
We would also thank Shane Braniff and our friends at The Echlinville Distillery for sponsoring and providing the monthly awards.
The award this month was a bottle of Dunville's Three Crowns Whiskey – remarkable to think that after so many decades, the Dunville's name and spirit was present in the Distillery dressing room again!
Photograph by David Hunter.
9 August 2016: The Echlinville Distillery based in The Echlinville Estate near Kircubbin, Northern Ireland is now the back of shirt sponsor for Lisburn Distillery Football Club. Pictured with the club's home shirt at the Echlinville Distillery are Graeme Millar (Echlinville Operations Manager), Suzanne McCullough (Echlinville Office, Sales & Marketing Executive) and Shane Braniff (Owner – Echlinville Distillery). Photograph by David Hunter.
Published in the Belfast Telegraph, 3 June 2014
Echlinville Distillery to create 15 jobs and export drinks globally
By Clare Weir
A whiskey distillery in Co Down – only the second to open in Northern Ireland – is investing £1.5m and creating 15 jobs as it aims to sell its drinks all over the world.
This year Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin, Co Down, was granted the first licence to distil spirits in Northern Ireland in over 130 years – and could soon expand to include a restaurant, museum and visitors' centre.
Managing director Shane Braniff launched the successful Feckin Irish Whiskey brand in 2005, which has become a huge hit in the USA, where demand for Irish whiskey is skyrocketing.
The company is now planning a range of drinks which can be sold almost immediately – without having to wait the three years for whiskey to mature – and also plans to develop a premium and super premium malt whiskey. Mr Braniff founded Echlinville Distillery in 2012 on his own 18-acre estate, located at Rubane in Kircubbin.
He said he also intends to open a visitor centre and whiskey museum and restaurant to draw more tourists to the Ards Peninsula.
"Irish whiskey is now the fastest growing brown spirit worldwide and demand is currently out-stripping supply in the US and many other markets," he said.
"In addition to the existing Feckin whiskey brands, we have recently relaunched Dunville VR Irish Whiskey, once one of the best known brands, until the closure of the distillery in Belfast that produced the spirit over 80 years ago.
"The Dunville whiskey is also unique in that is the only one distilled using grain barley that we are growing at Kircubbin.
"This ensures complete traceability and provenance of all our spirits.
"We are also sourcing as much equipment and other supplies from other Northern Ireland businesses. Echlinville Distillery will step up production of Irish whiskey and other spirits for export within the next few months.
"The company has recently launched a Patron's Promise initiative that provides whiskey devotees and investors the opportunity to buy casks of malt in advance of official launch."
Invest NI has offered Echlinville Distillery over £216,000 in management and marketing support towards the project and the company has also recently benefited from research and development assistance.
The export drive comes amidst a renewed interest in Northern Ireland's brewing and distilling industries.
Last week, Rademon Estate Distillery officially launched its first product, Shortcross gin, while Hercules Brewing Company has announced it is creating a new Belfast-inspired lager called Yardsman.
On Saturday 27 November 2004, Christopher Dunville, great-grandson of Robert Lambart Dunville (1893-1931), the fifth and last chairman of Dunville & Co. Ltd., visited Lisburn Distillery Football Club and presented fifteen silver platters to the top goal scorers (fifty or more goals). The event also celebrated the forthcoming 125th anniversary of the founding of the club.
Back row: Darren Armour, Peter Watson, Jim McCloskey, Joe Meldrum, Gerry McCaffrey, Tom Cleland, Ferris Lunn.
Front row: Philip Dykes, Francis Smith, Bertie McMinn, Christopher Dunville, Joy Collins (daughter of all-time Distillery goal-scorer Sam "Bull" McAdam), Roy Welsh, Johnny Cochrane, Dawson Simpson (club historian). Centre front: Dillon Cummins. Photograph by David Hunter.
Dunville Football Club
Winners of Irish Intermediate Cup, Season
Back row: C.H. Armstrong (Hon. Secretary), S. Close, R. Murphy, W. Payne, W. Spence, G. Lyttle, D. Osman (Trainer)
Front row: D. Kelly, J. McCartney, R. Mills (Captain), W.M. Fergusson, Esq. (Patron), R. Cooper, J.S. Finlay, N. Clarke
(R. Clements Lyttle Studios Ltd, 27 Donegall Place, Belfast)
This photograph was very kindly provided by Elliott Clarke, who is a nephew of Norman Clarke (front right).
It seems that the Dunville Football Club had no connection with the Distillery Football Club or Dunville's Whisky, and that their name came from the Dunville Park area, where their members lived. In those days many teams were formed and named after their local area.
A 1924 share certificate made its way home to the Distillery Football Club in October 2020, thanks to David and Nora Clyde, who live in New South Wales, Australia.
David kindly gave what information he knew of the background to the certificate in his accompanying letter. The certificate was issued over 96 years ago to Thomas Clyde of 5 Earl Place, a street formerly in The Sailortown area of Belfast, and David wrote "I believe the share was purchased by my grandfather as a birthday present for my father. It looks like it might have been a 9th birthday present for him. Well that is what I like to think.
"My dad was a proud Distillery supporter. I was often told that he was a shareholder but it was not until my parents died that I actually saw the paper to prove he was from a family of Distillery supporters.
"I am very pleased the club is still in existence and will appreciate and look after one of my father's treasured possessions. I hope Distillery supporters get pleasure in looking at a distant part of Distillery's history. Best wishes for a successful future. Stay safe.
"David and Nora Clyde"
Much of the information on this page, and many of the photographs, were very kindly provided by Terry Thompson and David Hunter.