15-07-2025
Glenavon complete European fixture against German side 65 years later than planned
A football match that should have kicked-off 65 years ago has finally been completed.
It was a game scrapped because of the Cold War, but now Glenavon and German side Erzgebirge Aue have fulfilled their European Cup tie.
The story of this game dates back to the 1960-61 season.
Glenavon, as Irish League Champions, and the East German league winners, then known as Wismut, were due to face-off in a European clash.
However, visa issues and the Cold War's Iron Curtain meant the game never went ahead.
Fast forward to 2025 and fans travelled by plane, train and even bike to witness the game first-hand.
Lurgan became a sea of purple as more than one thousand fans of the German club made the trip and could be heard in fine voice as they marched their way to Mourneview Park.
Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin said: "An unbelievable day. Full credit to everyone involved. A brilliant day out for everyone, for both clubs.
"They came over in their numbers... and it made it an unbelievable occasion for Glenavon football club.
"Absolutely delighted to be part of it. We can do nothing but thank the boys for coming over and making it a special occasion."
Captain Barney McKeown said: "The atmosphere they brought was brilliant.
"It gives us a bit of a taste of what European football could be like.
"As much as pre-season isn't really about results, more about performances, we certainly got a performance out of it that we were pleased with and it's something to build on."
It wasn't to be Glenavon's day, falling to a 2-0 defeat and a 7-0 loss overall on aggregate.
More than half a century on, there's nothing but respect between these two clubs.
A reminder how the beautiful game can bring people together again.
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
