Lisnagarvey Hockey Club receives a grant

Raymond Geddis, Business Manager at Danske Bank with players Cara McEwen from Moira and Sarah OHare from Hillsborough.

The money was provided through the Bank’s Staff Grant scheme and was used to purchase goalkeeping equipment for the junior teams.

Danske Bank Staff Grants scheme recognises the value of volunteering that employees undertake in their own personal time.

It works by providing support of up to £500 to charitable and not-for-profit organisations, with which Danske Bank staff volunteer.

Raymond Geddis, a former player turned coach at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club and a Business Manager with Danske Bank, said: “We aim to provide coaching and participation for as many young people as possible in the Greater Belfast area.

“Last year we had six players from our U15 boys team represent Ulster in the inter-provincials with a further six representing both Ulster and Ireland.

“Working for Danske Bank has helped me to help the club with equipment needed for other children to try the goalkeeping position.

“The cost of this equipment can be a barrier to getting children involved – the grant has allowed us to offer the opportunity for them to play a sport which might otherwise not be available to them.”

Rachel Cleary, Community Relations Co-Ordinator at Danske Bank said, “Raymond has been involved with Lisnagarvey Hockey Club for over 35 years and we are delighted to encourage and assist his contribution to the club and his local area.”