Former winners Liverpool are joining in the Milk Cup’s 30th birthday celebrations this summer.
The Anfield Reds have just confirmed their return to an event they won in 1988 when some of the club’s best known names were involved as players and the coaching staff.
Then, Steve McManaman turned heads on the North Coast, scoring a hat–trick as Liverpool beat Motherwell 4–0 in the Premier final. The legendary Bob Paisley, Anfield manager for nine successful seasons up until 1983, also accompanied the squad that year.
Milk Cup chairman Victor Leonard says:
“We were determined to ask as many former winners as possible to join us in marking the 30th year of the competition and we are honoured that Liverpool agreed.
“We have such warm memories of their visits back in the eighties and early nineties. Bob Paisley was a tremendous supporter and enjoyed his stays in the former Northern Counties Hotel in Portrush.”
Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, who have been backing the Milk Cup for 29 years, said:
“To see Liverpool making a return is exciting. The club has such a huge fan base in Northern Ireland and I have no doubt the team will receive terrific support.
“The Dairy Council has been playing its part at the competition over many years and we congratulate the organisers on achieving another important milestone. The remarkable international success of the Milk Cup is down to commitment, innovation and solid team work.”
This summer’s Milk Cup will take on a slightly different format to mark the 30th anniversary. The event will mirror the successful 21st anniversary competition when County teams hosted matches in their own areas on the Saturday.
With the London Olympics getting underway on July 27, the Milk Cup will kick off on Saturday, July 21 and conclude with finals night at Ballymena Showgrounds on Thursday, July 26.
The popular Milk Cup Welcome Parade of competing teams through Coleraine town centre to the Showgrounds will not change, however, taking place on Sunday, July 22.
The Dairy Council’s sponsorship of the Milk Cup is part of the ‘Milk it for all it’s worth’ campaign, which is being jointly funded by the EU to encourage young people to drink milk as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Visit us on Facebook ‘Milk it’ NI
Milk Cup chairman Victor Leonard and Dairy Council chairman Michael Drayne celebrate the return of Liverpool to the Milk Cup for its 30th anniversary with footie fan Ciara McStravick