Testimonial dinner for Killie FC's Garry Hay

Nov 20 2009 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

THE Park Hotel was filled to capacity for the recent Hamilton Tarmac Sportsman’s Dinner, part of Killie stalwart Garry Hay’s Testimonial Year.

Over 400 people attended the event, chaired by newspaper columnist and radio pundit Tam Cowan, who entertained the gathering in his own inimitable style.

Former Liverpool FC player and European Cup winner Alan Kennedy and former Motherwell forward John Gahagan were the main speakers, and there was also input from cartoonist Malky McCormick.

Former Killie player and Rangers assistant boss Ally McCoist had been due to host the auction, but a family illness meant he was unable to attend.

Tam Cowan was an able deputy as auctioneer, and among the items on offer were signed football jerseys from Steven Naismith, Shunsuke Nakamura, Didier Drogba, Kris Boyd, Rino Gattuso, Fernando Torres, Ian Durrant and Darren Fletcher and a signed Fender Telecaster guitar from rock band Biffy Clyro.

But the star attraction among the lots were a pair of boots in a glass case signed by Wayne Rooney.

Everything ran like clockwork on the night and the general consensus was that it had been a night to remember.

This was the second event in Garry’s Testimonial Year, coming a few weeks after a successful golf day at Dundonald Links.

Other events planned include a Burns Mall-sponsored gala dinner, a Burns supper being organised by the Mauchline Branch of the Kilmarnock Supporters’ Association, a casino night, murder mystery night, another golf day and a testimonial match at Rugby Park.