Future generations of sporting talent from Glenavy GAC and Ballymacash Rangers have come together with young people from Parkview Special School in Lisburn to have fun together at the Parkview youth club. This is the start of a new partnership between the two clubs.

After hearing of the need for a new MUGA pitch at Parkview Special School the two clubs, both of which have connections with Parkview through members, have come together to help raise vital funds for the school.

Commenting, Alliance Party Alderman Amanda Grehan said: “During my year as Deputy Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council I visited Parkview Special School a number of times and saw first hand the great work they do with the children. It is a privilege to be able to help them improve their facilities.

“I have been involved with Ballymacash Rangers on a number of projects, while my colleague Councillor David Honeyford, is Development Officer at Glenavy GAC. David and I approached both clubs about Parkview and asked if they would consider coming together to help the children. Without hesitation they agreed. We started by having a collection at Ballymacash Rangers ground during a Saturday morning tournament and continuing the collection that afternoon at a Glenavy game.

“On Boxing Day, players from both clubs met up at Down Royal racecourse where the management had given permission to take up a collection for Parkview. The club members had a very successful day working together for the benefit of the children and raised several thousand pounds.”

Councillor David Honeyford said: “Parkview Special School has children from every part of our community, so it is particularly appropriate that two sporting traditions from different parts of our community are able to come together for a very special cause.

“Over £5,000 has been raised to date, with a target of £25,000. This marks the start of a friendship between the three partners, that not only breaks down barriers as young people come together and simply enjoy their time together, making friendships, creating understanding and working to help the most vulnerable in our society.”

Photograph includes,

Councillor David Honeyford,

Mark Cushnahan Glenavy GAC,

Karen Ryan, Kevin Ryan and Vivien Scott, Friends of Parkview

Alderman Amanda Grehan

Neil Woolsey Ballymacash Rangers.