Essendon Football Club has announced life long supporter Ron Kirwan as its number one ticket holder for the next 18 months.

Kirwan, a larger than life figure has been an Essendonian coterie member since 1976 and followed the Bombers for more than 60 years.

“It is a great honour to be named the number one ticket holder of the Essendon Football Club,” Kirwan said.

“I was seduced by John Coleman from a very young age and have been an Essendon supporter ever since.”

“Orignially I was a boy from the Western suburbs but fell in love with Coleman and saw him play on two occasions which turned me into a Bomber for life.”

Kirwan has developed a strong relationship with the playing group during his time involved with the club and is a much-respected figure in the Essendon family.

Essendon Chairman David Evans paid tribute to Kirwan’s commitment to the Bombers.

“We are pleased to be able to announce Ron as our number one ticket holder for the next eighteen months,” Evans said.

“He is a loyal and passionate Essendon person who has shown great support for the club over his lifetime following the red and black.”

Kirwan replaces the late Bruce Heymanson as number one ticket holder.