The Jim Birrell Sports Dinner 2016

With thanks to the team at Kenny’s Music for once again providing the PA system for our dinner

Front Cover Courtesy of Scott Sinclair. With thanks to Harry Taylor & Co for programme printing

Last year’s dinner was a memorable night from start to finish, with so many memories that will live with me for a long time. Yet the one that will have the greatest impact was the speech from our guest of honour, my dad’s friend and former workmate, Ally Gourlay. Ally and I had talked about the dinner a lot over the years and I asked him in early 2014 if he would come along to the 10th dinner to say a few words in tribute to Jim. He agreed there and then, saying it would be a privilege to speak about his friend. A few months later Ally was diagnosed with cancer and shortly after, was told it was terminal. Doctors advised he may have 3 months to live. I do not have the space here to chronicle Ally’s story but please feel free to ask me and I’ll tell you about inspirational man. Ally told me that whilst medical opinion suggested he wouldn’t make our dinner, he was determined to live with cancer on his own terms and make the most of every day and every opportunity he had.

As I watched in awe as Ally did just that, the three months came and went and he defied both the diagnosis and the illness. Watching Jim’s grandchildren being piped in with the top table was special, but the tear in my eye was reserved for Ally….and what a speech he delivered! Most of the people in the room didn't know Ally’s story and when he told you all, I looked around the room and saw the power and impact of his words, words that I vowed not to forget. When I find myself losing that wee bit of perspective, those words bring it back. Ally passed away last month, peacefully, surrounded by his family. I said my goodbyes at his service a few weeks ago, a fitting tribute and celebration of his life, how he chose to live it, and crucially, love it. When I visited him in hospital in January he told me if he didn’t get the chance to pop in to see us all tonight, he told me to let you know that he had been very proud to play a part in his pal’s dinner.

Sadly, Ally's chair at our dinner is not the only one that sits empty this evening. My dad's big sister, my amazing Auntie Jean passed away following a short illness last year. Being asked to say a few words at her funeral service was an honour and I’m grateful to my cousins and uncle for having that opportunity. It was actually one of the easiest things I’ve ever written such were the volume of great memories that she created for me. My love for the beautiful game was nurtured by my Auntie Jean.

From taking me to my first game at East End, a mid-week reserve match, to travelling all over Scotland watching my cousin play for the Pars and St Johnstone. Or the night she goes over and asks Bobby and Matt if she can introduce them to her nephew. Bobby and Matt turned out to be Sirs Charlton and Busby. Without any hesitation she then introduces me to the entire Manchester United squad as if she was speaking to her next door neighbours!

The last year has been a tough one for our family. My Auntie Jean’s cancer was ruthless and it has robbed us of one our rocks, a personality that would light up every room and whose love for her family unites us and lives on in our hearts. I know my mum and Auntie Cathy always find these nights emotional and I know it will be especially tough tonight. But if Jimmy, Jean and Ally are pulling up their seats and getting settled for this evening, they’ll be in for a top night in each other’s company.

I know Jim will not mind these programme notes being dedicated to his sister and pal. Family and friends were what he was all about and it's the reason this dinner and annual celebration was established 11 years ago and the reason it has continued ever since. Our dinner tonight will be raising money for the hospital wards that cared for Ally and Jean as well as the support for their families. It is care that you can't put a price on, a debt you can't repay but through your continued support and generosity, we get a chance to say thank you and pay tribute to our absent friends. The dinner is also looking to support a friend in need. Please read the insert page on your tables for more information.

We are delighted to welcome two debutants Raymond and Stewart to the Jim Birrell Sports Dinner.

Many of our guests have also lobbied your organising committee for the return of Lorraine and we were delighted when she accepted our invitation. Once again, you have a great top table, the envy of any dinner in Scotland. Enjoy our speakers, enjoy each other’s company and enjoy your night!

Menu Starter Soup or Pate *** Main Braised Steak in Red Wine Gravy or Haddock and Chips *** Dessert Toffee Apple Pie or Cheese Plate

The 11th Jim Birrell Memorial Sports Dinner Piper John Cummings and your Top Table Welcome Heads & Tails Dinner Raffle Lorraine Summers Stewart Smith Raymond Mearns Auction

Coverage of last year’s dinner in the Fife Free Press

The Jim Birrell Memorial Sports Dinner is proud to be supporting Dunfermline Athletic’s Shaun Rooney as his training kit sponsor for Season 2015/2016.

Come On Ye Pars!

Photo courtesy of Craig Brown Photography Coverage of last year’s Dinner from the Dunfermline Press