Defiant Sion ready to fight on after latest arson attack

Sion Mills Cricket Club has been in the news again recently after they were the target of yet another arson attack that all but ruined their clubhouse/changing facilities.
Firefighters finish putting out the latest fire at Sion CC's Clubhouse.Firefighters finish putting out the latest fire at Sion CC's Clubhouse.
Firefighters finish putting out the latest fire at Sion CC's Clubhouse.

The Tyrone club has had a seemingly endless battle with vandals over the past number of years and yet despite now playing outside the North West senior ranks, they refuse to roll over.

As is often the case in these situations, the fight is being led by a few hearty souls, and chief among them in Sion's case is Simon Galloway. As well as being club captain, Simon has held most of the other roles at one stage or another, and usually several of them at the same time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a previous interview for the club's 150th anniversary celebrations a few years ago, it was clear then where his motivation to keep the club afloat was coming from.

Sion CC Clubhouse is totally gutted the latest arson attack.Sion CC Clubhouse is totally gutted the latest arson attack.
Sion CC Clubhouse is totally gutted the latest arson attack.

A quick leaf through the annals of the North West Cricket Union's history books will show that despite not having won a senior trophy in the past 36 years, Sion Mills remain the Union's most decorated club to this day.

They have won the senior cup a total of 29 times - only Donemana on 22 are even within touching distance of that. The Holm club does hold the record of senior titles with 31 but Sion are close behind on 27. And it is those numbers that drive Galloway on.

"We're a far cry from the days when Sion Mills were dominant in North West cricket, but we're now the keepers of that magnificent history," he insisted. "The group of people we have here now are determined to do everything we can to hold on to it."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It's a monumental job of course, not just because of the wanton vandalism but because cricket in this day and age remains a very hard sell. Sport in general has taken a huge participation hit over the last number of years as technology and social influences have changed massively since the turn of the millennium.

Sion have had to battle harder than most, but battle they have. Despite this most recent attack, Simon Galloway insists that the outfield at the "Wee Holm" will get its first cut of the season next week as he and the rest of the club members plan ahead.

"We have been working very closely with the North West over the past few years and once again they got right behind us after this latest incident. We got calls from Brian Dougherty, Peter McCartney and David Bradley assuring us of their continued support and that has made a real difference," he added.

"The players and supporters at the club have all rallied around and in playing terms we have one or two former lads coming back to help us out this season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Obviously we now have to look for options for players to change and things like that because this one is now damaged beyond repair.

"We need to stay positive and despite all the problems going on in the world at the minute we're hoping that everyone can come out the other side and we can enjoy some sport when the time is right," he concluded.

Related topics: