Mary pulls her last pint

FOR more than three decades Mary Hamilton has been a familiar face in the clubhouse at Annan Athletic.

But now, after 34 years serving the community and football fans from all over the country, she is retiring from her role as bar manager.

She first joined the bar staff in 1991, when the club was playing in the East of Scotland League.

Mary, who will continue her full time job as a learning assistant at Hecklegirth Primary, said: “I started by accident! I can remember my very first shift, it was five deep at the bar.

“I enjoy football. (When I started) it was the good old days in the East of Scotland League. I used to travel on the bus with the team to away games. It was great.

“I’ve went on to follow the team through the years and see all the success. “I feel the time is right to move on. That, personal circumstances and more time for family.”

Over the years Annan Athletic became quite the family affair for the Hamiltons.

After Mary and her husband George moved to the town from Clydebank, George joined the committee as treasurer.

The couple’s three children have all worked behind the bar, as has their daughter-in-law, while their grandson has also covered shifts.

Mary will not be a stranger at Galabank, she plans to attend Athletic’s upcoming home fixture against Dumbarton. And that will be a bit different to usual as when working in the clubhouse she often only managed to watch about ten minutes of a home game.

She added: “I think initially I’ll miss (working behind the bar). (But) I’ll be at the football next Saturday and I’ll get to watch the full game!

“There’s always been a good team in here. I’ve worked with so many different people – I’m still in touch with most of them. It’s always been great.

“It’s a great venue for any occasion. The size is perfect and the atmosphere is perfect.

“The club is a family club. There’s a lot of volunteers there, I will hopefully do some volunteering in the future as well.”

Mary expressed thanks to the old committee, the board of directors, customers and fellow staff members from over the years.