ONSIDE with Adrian Hack

It hosted sports days, summer league football, put on dances in the Town Hall, and even organising a table tennis exhibition!

There may have been an element of self-interest in this, as the club relied on the paying public to survive and flourish, but there was definitely a strong belief in wanting to play an active part in the community.

Having followed Carrick since 1983, I look back and think it lost that connection in the early 2000s. There was too much emphasis purely on boosting attendances, without developing any lasting links with the townsfolk.

I believe the current panel of officials at Taylor’s Avenue are trying to recapture that early ethos. There is now a genuine emphasis on Carrick Rangers re-establishing itself as a core part of the town’s community.

Every time the Spirit of ‘76 club takes a busload of fans to an away fixture they are representing Carrickfergus as well as the club. Carrick is a community club and needs the community to support it. Come on – play your part!