Police chief praises GAA club

Pictured are officers from Lurgan Neighbourhood Policing Team with representatives from the Management Group of Sarsfield Community Hall at the recent opening of the newly refurbished hall. INLM31 026

The hall was opened recently after a major refurbishment and the Management Group at Sarsfields also praised the contribution the police made at the official reopening.

The hall enjoyed a well deserved revamp after the Management Group (SCHMG) secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund, Energy Efficiency Awards for All and Craigavon Borough Council. New insulation and a disabled toilet were fitted.

The premises were also painted and a tile mosaic, designed and made by a local community group, fitted in the hallway.

SCHMG chairperson, Mr Brendan Stevenson, speaking at a drinks reception and dinner, highlighted the value of the club in the local community and how many people benefit from its use.

Mr Declan McAlinden, Chairperson of Sarsfields Gaelic Football Club welcomed Lurgan Neighbourhood Policing Team to the event.

PSNI Craigavon Area Commander, Chief Inspector Anthony McNally thanked Sarsfields for the warm welcome they had received and commended their community spirit and forward thinking attitude.

Those present heard about some of the neighbourhood policing in their local area including ongoing projects with local youth groups.

Mr McAlinden presented Chief Inspector McNally, Con Sproule, Con Crossey and Sgt Galbraith with Sarsfields GAA Club ties.

Chief Inspector McNally said: “We were honoured by the warm reception we received from Sarsfields community. We work with communities across Craigavon and Sarsfields have been enthusiastic and interested in the services we can provide and in development engagement opportunities with police.”