Lurgan team miss out on Hampden trip

CREW members from McDonald’s Lurgan competed against fellow staff teams in a unique football tournament, all seeking the chance to represent Northern Ireland at a special McDonald’s staff football tournament at Hampden.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Apr 2013, 15:00 BST
The Lurgan McDonalds staff team pictured with McDonalds NI Ambassador Pat Jennings.The Lurgan McDonalds staff team pictured with McDonalds NI Ambassador Pat Jennings.
The Lurgan McDonalds staff team pictured with McDonalds NI Ambassador Pat Jennings.

Men’s and ladies teams from across Northern Ireland took part in the Belfast Regional Heat at the Valley Leisure Centre, with Coleraine winning the ladies’ category and Newry succeeding in the men’s. Both teams will now go on to represent Northern Ireland in the UK finals at the home of Scottish Football, Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings presided over the Belfast heat through his position as McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland football.

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Commenting on the competition, Pat Jennings said: “The McDonald’s Cup is always a great tournament and this year’s was no exception. At McDonald’s our staff are a key asset in terms of our community football programme and I was delighted to preside over this tournament as it was played in the right spirits. I’d like to congratulate the Coleraine and Newry staff teams and hope they can now go on to further success at the UK finals at Hampden.

The McDonald’s Cup is an important part of McDonald’s Community Partnership with the Irish FA which is celebrating ten years and is helping young footballers shine. The partnership is currently delivering a lasting legacy for grassroots football through ongoing coach creation and education, a Club Accreditation Scheme, through a series of regional Small Sided Games Centres and through the McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards which recognise and rewards the unsung heroes of grassroots football.

Nominations are currently open for the Awards so please nominate a coach, club or volunteer that deserves recognition at www.mcdonalds.co.uk/kickstart or www.irishfa.com/communityawards.

Related topics:McDonald'sNorthern IrelandColeraineNewry