NI legends in town

They were in town for a festival of football, in the form of McDonald’s Football Open Day at Gordons Playing Fields.

Local families enjoyed free football coaching, games and mini tournaments and were given the opportunity to practice their skills on inflatable games areas.

Guests were also given the opportunity to display their skills in front of the former Northern Ireland greats and quiz them about their considerable footballing knowledge and experience.

As well Pat officially opened the new 3G pitch recently completed at Lurgan Town’s Arena.

He said: “I was delighted to attend the McDonald’s Football Open Day in Lurgan and it was very encouraging to see the level of interest there is for grassroots football in the Lurgan area..”

The Open Day was carried out in conjunction with Lurgan Town Boys FC, a local football club that McDonald’s Lurgan supports through McDonald’s ‘Club Twinning’ programme – an initiative to create links between local restaurants and grassroots clubs.

Robert Davidson, Director of Youth Football at Lurgan Town Boys FC commented: “The Open Day was a very enjoyable event and I’d like to thank McDonald’s for providing a significant boost to our club in terms of sourcing new players and coaches. It was also great to have Pat Jennings and Jim Magilton there on the day. I think some of our coaches were more excited than the children about getting the opportunity to talk all things football with the pair.”

Paul Connan, franchisee of McDonald’s Lurgan added: “Our football festival was a great success and hopefully will assist Robert and the club as they embark on a new season. McDonald’s Lurgan is very much part of the local community and we were thrilled to host an event where families from all over the greater Lurgan area and beyond were able to participate in a fun-filled day.”

For more information on the McDonald’s coaching programme or to find out more on McDonald’s Football Open Days, www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football