Council hosts reception for hockey stars

Also in attendance was the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Margaret Tolerton. This was run and organised at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club.

The reception included players from the South African Olympic Hockey Team, Scottish competitors, the Irish Hockey Association, Sport Northern Ireland, Celtic Cup Tournament representatives and Lisnagarvey Hockey Club.

Mrs Tolerton, extended a warm welcome to all the guests and wished the South African competitors, who would be going on to London to play in the Olympic Games, the very best of luck. Councillor Thomas Beckett also spoke at the reception and with the Deputy Mayor presented Council plaques to the representatives.

“Lisburn City Council was recently awarded the honour of being European City of Sport 2013. The standard of the sporting clubs, choice of leisure facilities, variety of sport and team spirit and the pursuit of excellence were all factors in achieving the award,” said Cllr Tolerton.

“We are honoured to host this reception and wish our South African guests the very best of luck in the Olympic Games.”

Mr Beckett said: “Anyone who is at the top of their game, which includes the competitors in the Celtic Cup, deserve our utmost praise. I would like to extend my thanks to Lisnagarvey Hockey Club for its excellent efforts in organising the Celtic Cup with the Irish Hockey Association, and wish the South African Hockey Team great success in the London 2012 Olympic Games.”