Sport Change Makers Archives – Community Finance Ireland

Posted on November 18, 2021October 13, 2021

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At Community Finance Ireland 37% of our loan portfolio is made up of organisations from the sporting sector. So our team spend a lot of time talking to and walking with those in their local communities who see sport as a means to offer opportunities, address rural decline and also help personal and community fitness.

Each has a very hands-on approach when it comes to working with our clients. We put people first. When our clients call with a query, they hear a familiar voice at the end of the phone. They know the face who is at the other end of an email. Our change-makers are on the ground, supporting communities, meeting clients and making an impact in their regions.

We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Emmett O’Hara, Head of Community Finance RoI, from Bettystown. Working with clients like Father Manning Gaels, Hercules Club and Athlone Town AFC in Longford, Dublin and Westmeath, Emmett is passionate about all sports.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

I played rugby and hurling in my younger years. I now coach my son Matthew’s under 9 soccer team (Donacarney Celtic). My daughter Lily also plays GAA for St. Colmcille’s in Bettystown, where my wife Miriam is also involved on the coaching side.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

I admire our client the Hercules Club which is based in the North Inner City Dublin. The club has been in operation since 1935 and despite a number of moves has built a strong legacy with generations of weightlifters and boxers involved.

We also have a number of GAA clubs who make such an impact in their local area at every level – sporting, social and also community. Ones that come to mind include Kiltegan GAA, Lough Lene Gaels and Mount Nugent GAA.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

Kenny Dalglish would be a long term hero of mine, not only because he was such a great player and manager but also because of the efforts that he made in the aftermath of the Hillsborough tragedy by attending every funeral to help those families who had lost loved ones, with their grief.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Sport is a huge part of the local community in Bettystown. There is a very diverse range of sports available to play including GAA, soccer, athletics and given the sea side location – swimming, paddle boarding, kite surfing and also recently beach volleyball.

Sport brings people together and I think this has been illustrated over the span of the pandemic when we have needed those networks more than ever, and volunteers have stepped up with new and innovative ways to develop clubs and build communities.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

The kids are a lot fitter than I am, I’m happy enough to cheer from the sidelines.

If you and your team, have a dream that could make a difference in your community, we’re here to listen. Whether you want to change something by solving a problem or creating an opportunity, we want to hear what you have to say. Get in touch with us today.

Posted on November 16, 2021October 25, 2021

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We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Donal Traynor, Group CEO from Meath. Working with clients like Craughwell AC, Illies Golden Gloves Boxing Club and Dublin Cliffhangers nationally, Donal is passionate about Gaelic football.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

I’ve been involved in Gaelic football at many levels including; Club Senior Championship (Killinkere), Ulster Colleges MacRory Cup (St. Patrick’s College Cavan); and UCD Football League. More recently though this has reduced to Dads ‘n’ Lads (over 40s) Gaelic football (Navan O’Mahony’s GAC) and tag rugby (Navan RFC).

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

Craughwell AC are just one example of many clubs with great vision and a committed team to dream big. A calculated phased approach to development, underpinned by solid local crowd funding has witnessed not just the emergence of improved facilities, but also substantial membership growth, with regional and national successes to show for it all each year.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

Katie Taylor. She imagined winning an Olympic gold medal in a sport that didn’t even exist at that level. Like Community Finance Ireland, she was keen to ensure this was felt rather than simply dreamt, and led the way for that dream to become a reality.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Sport has had a profound impact on me personally. Important life lessons that sport has taught me over the years include: the importance of team work and knowing that you are only ever as strong as the weakest among you. Realising you will never win them all, but the victories when they come, are to be truly appreciated. You learn more from losing than can ever be gained from victory. Realising that the local club will always be like an extended family, a unit both you and your family can always rely on in times of trouble.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

3, it’s good at the minute, but that can always change…

Posted on November 11, 2021October 13, 2021

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We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Lita Notte, Head of Marketing and Communications from Cork City and living in the idyllic Carlingford.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

As a young child/teenager I got involved in sport as it was the only real way to have some time and chats with my Dad – who played football until he was actually 48 and his legs failed. I spent many cold dark evenings running behind him as he was a key volunteer for the local Togher Athletics Club.

Athletics and basketball were my sports of choice. I won some medals and captained my secondary school basketball team in Cork City. Tuesday and Thursday nights were training and Saturday was usually a game or a run somewhere – all of which was organised by parents and local teachers. I guess I didn’t realise then that they ultimately were the volunteering community who helped us all have fun and find friends whilst staying happy and safe.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

Our client Finn Valley FC in Donegal is a wonder to me. With my background in athletics I understood first-hand how that type of facility would help all the athletics around the hinterland feel like they could run at any speed and at any length. It was a stark contrast to the training facilities available to us in Cork back in our day. The team here focus on fostering opportunity and that is also to be admired. Opportunities exist for all their members to strive for excellence and compete to their personal best. They really have built a world class sporting facility that you would expect in a capital city – not a rural location in Ireland.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

Martina Navratilova tennis champion extraordinaire. She helped put female tennis on a level playing field. Both on the court and off it she was a trailblazer. It’s thanks to athletes like her that pay differences were addressed and that physical strength not just prettiness was the new norm. Her story off court was just as exemplary – her quiet but effective method of promoting differences and protecting athletes’ private lives from intrusion, were ahead of her time. Sport and sometimes our communities need role models that push us to accept who we are is really all we need to be. Nowadays when watching Wimbledon on TV I’m thrilled to see her front and centre in the BBC commentary panel. She was and is a voice for all independent and confident women.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Although I don’t compete anymore or even play sport much these days (sea swimming is my new fix) I remember how sport helped us a family have fun and be together. It definitely helped me understand the importance of teamwork. My family continue to connect across sporting events (recent Olympics was a great Whatsapp driver) and when I see local cars pulling kids up outside local pitches or clubs I’m reminded that both memories and adults are being made right there.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

I think I can only be honest and give myself a 2+ at this stage. But it means I have something to strive for – and as any sporting enthusiast will tell you having something to strive for is the best situation to be in.

Posted on November 9, 2021October 13, 2021

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We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Nicky McElhatton, Marketing and Social Media Executive from Coalisland in Co. Tyrone. Nicky is a self-proclaimed couch potato but he has recently tried to change that.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

At school, P.E. was my least favourite subject. I would always conveniently ‘forget’ my P.E. kit so I didn’t have to take part. That was until the teacher announced that the class would be travelling the short distance to Dungannon Leisure Centre for six weeks of swimming. I loved being in the water and was more advanced than most of the class. This was because when I was four, my father had taken me every Saturday to the same pool for ‘Little Duckling’ swimming lessons. It was funny to hear exclamations from my (usually more athletic and sporty) classmates who were surprised that I was actually good at a sport, as I outswam them in the pool.

As an adult I must admit that my involvement in sport has been minimal. That was until recently. Having enjoyed a summer of sport on the TV with the Euros soccer competition, the Olympics, the Paralympics and my native Tyrone impressing on the GAA pitch, I have been inspired to take up some exercise. I quickly downloaded the Couch to 5K app having had it recommended my some of my more exercise-inclined friends. I’m now in Week 9 and already notice a marked difference, not only in my fitness levels, but my stamina, my mood and my mental health. Taking to the nearby Orangefield Park with my partner, sweatbands on, earbuds in and warm up exercises done, the app’s Denise Lewis has coached me three times a week, with incremental increases in run to walk ratio as the weeks go by. By the end of each 30 minute session I am usually out of breath, shins aching but it always feels worthwhile and I’m always looking forward to my next run.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

We have such a diverse range of clients spanning many different sports. I always find it interesting when a sport that I know little or nothing about approaches us for assistance in developing their organisation. Niche sports like kayaking, harness racing and cliffhanging are represented in our portfolio with clients like Kilcar Kayaking (Co. Donegal), Irish Harness Racing (Co. Dublin) and Dublin Cliffhangers (Co. Dublin). They truly represent the resilience that exists in the sports sector. They represent sports that may find it more difficult than mainstream sports to leverage funding from traditional sources, often having to fight harder or state their case more emphatically. But they don’t let this get in the way of their passion that they have for their particular sport and they strive to improve their facilities for those in their community who are equally passionate.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

With the Euros dominating the airwaves this summer, I got really into football like I never have before and never missed a match. With Ireland not making the cut in the qualifying stages, I had to look for an alternate national team to support. That’s when I fell in love with Italy and in particular Lorenzo Insigne. He was always at the heart of the action, tirelessly creating goal opportunities for his team and in particular his partner in crime Ciro Immobile. The team had their ups (topping their group with maximum 9 points) and downs (that dicey match with Spain resulting in a penalty shootout) but ultimately they powered through and won their second Euros title, made all the sweeter by the fact that they beat England in the Final.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

My whole extended family are mad into the GAA. Always have been and always will be. Growing up we would always have gone to all the Tyrone matches together and never missed one. My dad was always on the phone hunting for tickets for the more sought after games. While my mum’s patience was put to the test trying to organise the three children- making sure our jerseys were cleaned and ironed, that the flasks were filled with tea, that the half time sandwiches and snacks were packed in our picnic bag. This was a special time for us to bond as a family.

With Tyrone’s recent success in the Ulster Final and winning the All Ireland Final, we’ve had the chance to relive those glory days, albeit this year in front of the TV, rather than pitch side. Travelling home to Coalisland for Tyrone’s clash against Mayo, we were all gathered round cheering on the boys in red and white. There has been a bit of discord in the family though, as one of my cousins recently married a Mayo man. When the two counties did battle in the All Ireland final, I’m glad I wasn’t watching in their house.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

I feel like a 3 is fair assessment. It’s very much a case of a work in progress. While I have started doing my Couch to 5k and I am enjoying it, it’s very much a recent thing. Prior to this I did zero exercise with the exception of the occasional Sunday walk. I also feel like I could be doing more. So I’m hoping to incorporate a weekly swim in the Winter when the weather starts to turn.

Posted on November 4, 2021October 13, 2021

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We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Pauline Carolan, our Office Administrator living in the wee county of Louth.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

My participation in sport has been varied over the years. It started as a young girl, twirling a baton and marching the roads of Ireland as a majorette. In my teenage years, in secondary school volleyball was a sport I loved and spent weekends competing in tournaments.

I decided a number of years ago, that I wanted to complete a marathon before a big birthday. I ended up completing three, and while I can’t say I enjoyed every minute of it, I have made friends for life and learned some invaluable life lessons along the way. I have also been involved in charity cycles from Dunleer to Ballinasloe (both on the bike and behind the scenes).

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

Behind every local sporting club and voluntary organisation, is a group of people and volunteers, who give their time and their knowledge, to selflessly help others, and it is these people I admire most. The people who arrive an hour before everyone else to get the pitch ready, the people with their line full of freshly washed team colours, the people who clean up and switch off the lights, long after everyone else has gone home.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

My sporting heroes are local legends David and Aileen ’the Sheriff’ Carrie. They set up a running group in 2010 to help local people in Dunleer achieve their dream of training for and completing a marathon (with a lot of craic along the way). David is a postman by day, and a running coach by night. He is a former international athlete, and has helped over 1,000 people achieve their dream of completing a marathon (whether you are a turtle or a hare). In the process, hundreds of thousands of euro have been raised for charities.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

In recent years, sport has made me realise, that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

I would say 3 at the moment.

Posted on November 2, 2021October 13, 2021

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We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Barry Symes, Client Relationship Manager from Wexford. Working with clients like Kilcock Celtic FC, Mount Leinster Rangers GAA and Edenderry Golf Club in the Leinster Region, Barry Symes is passionate about seeing clubs fulfil their ambitions, whatever that may be.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

I was super fortunate to participate in many sports right across the full spectrum from an early age but unfortunately a double ankle break in my mid-teens put an end to virtually all contact sport from that point on. At this point I turned to golf, where I later became pretty handy getting to a scratch handicap. My sporting involvement and goals these days however are largely played out through my children and my work in Community Finance Ireland with my aim ultimately, is helping all achieve their goals.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

It would almost be unfair to single out one club, as all the clubs I am either involved with or have supported have admirable aspirations and are successful in their own right. Overall I would say the more inclusive the club is, the more successful the club is. I am a firm believer in “when everyone plays, we all win”. Inclusivity, regardless of ability, is paramount. If pressed on the matter, I would refer to Kilcock Celtic FC who were one of the founders of the FAI’s Football For All programme – inspiring.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

In a global setting, two individuals stick out. Firstly, as a keen motorsport enthusiast, the legend that is Ayrton Senna was something else. His bravery, tenacity, doggedness, ability to extract performance from himself and machine at times was extraordinary. Regrettably the nature of the man who always pushed the limits and the sport resulted in his loss of life, but thankfully his legacy lives on. Secondly, Roger Federer – I am not sure who invented tennis, but I’m pretty sure when they watch Roger Federer play, they think, “that’s what I’m talking about”.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Sport is so much greater than just the playing of the game or sport. It is often the glue that binds us as players, coaches, supporters, spectators, critics and individuals in our clubs and communities. The very nature of it is also super important not only for our physical well-being but also our mental health where activity is well proven to have a positive impact. It also however plays tricks in thinking we are now capable of keeping up with those actually participating. But it’s all good and no different to many across the country, particularly with Covid, it has been our invaluable escape.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

Let’s just say, there’s work to be done.

Posted on October 28, 2021October 13, 2021

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We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Terri Martin, our Office Manager and Micro Finance Lead. Living in Co. Louth, Terri is a big advocate for Ladies’ GAA.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

Where I grew up there were limited team sports for girls, so with the help of a few friends we set up a Ladies’ Gaelic Football team with the full the support of Meath Hill GAA Club (Co. Meath), and within a few short years we won the Junior Championship. As a result of this I was asked to trial for Meath Ladies’ at the U16 age group, where we won a Leinster Championship, from there I captained the Meath Ladies’ Minor team who also a Leinster Championship. I then trialled for Meath Ladies’ Junior team, where I successfully got my place on the team. After being beaten by Donegal in the semi-final the previous year, we were lucky enough to go on and win a Junior All Ireland Championship and League title in that same year (I have deliberately left the year out as it might give my age away) I also played soccer at a local level and badminton in the winter time, great to keep you fit in the winter months.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

I’m a die-hard supporter of my home club of Meath Hill. Still to this day, I follow them all around the county. It is a small rural club, but we are known for being fierce loyal and always support our team on match days. This creates a kind of belonging to our community. This was demonstrated more than ever during the Pandemic, where there were many volunteers to do shopping, make dinners etc. for those in the community who needed support during hard times.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

Too many too mention, but I have to say with Meath Ladies’ winning the All Ireland Senior final recently – who could not but admire Emma Duggan and Vicki Wall – their sheer determination and will to win is an inspiration to any child or adult who plays sport.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Sport has created many wonderful memories for me, especially those family days out when we would head to Croke Park with three generations packed into a car, playing games, trying to sing songs on route, the obligatory picnic and of course the post-match analysis discussed over a drink on the way home, building bonfires and dancing on the street to celebrate glory days of Sean Boylan’s reign, a distant memory now but we will come good again.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

Unfortunately 1, average is how I would describe my fitness at present, I spend my time mentoring my children’s Gaelic teams and dropping and collecting from the numerous sports that are available to my kids nowadays, so I’m lucky if I get time to walk the dog.

Posted on October 26, 2021October 13, 2021

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We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance NI from Co. Down. Working with clients like Teconnaught GFC, Glendermott Cricket Club and Carryduff GAC in Northern Ireland, Phelim is particularly passionate about Gaelic Games.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

I have played Gaelic football, hurling and soccer since I was a kid, retiring at 35. I always enjoyed cross country running when at school. I have coached GAA and soccer across a wide range of age groups including senior men’s and I would I still regularly run distances of 5k.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

Slaughtneil GAC comes to mind. They are a club that are playing Gaelic football, hurling and camogie at the highest level. This is a remarkable achievement for a rural community with such a limited population. The club and locals have helped reverse rural decline and depopulation. The result of this is that they now have a thriving community and are a growing Gaeltacht in rural South Derry. Very much a club that is at the heart of the community and offering more than just a sports facility.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

Matt Connor, a Gaelic footballer from Offaly in the 1970s/’80s. He was technically very good and he was a player who could have played in any era. A brilliant, graceful footballer and a player before his time. Unfortunately, Matt was seriously injured in a car crash in 1984 and was no longer able to continue to play his sport.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

As a volunteer at my local club, I have seen first hand how the GAA in particular helps bind communities, reinforce identity and can give a real sense of community purpose and belonging. Everyone at the club helps out due to their love for their sport and their community and this mentality truly showcases volunteering at its best. Sport not only contributes to the physical well-being of the participants but also alleviates stresses and strains on your mental well-being.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

I would say my own fitness is probably a 2- Fair.

Posted on October 21, 2021October 21, 2021

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We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Nora Keogh Sports Community Finance Ireland

Our next Change-Maker is Nora Keogh, Client Relationship Manager from Newcastle West Co. Limerick. Working with clients like Dromcollogher Community Council CLG, Ardagh Community Centre Association and Crusheen Community Centre CLG in the Munster Region. Nora is passionate about cycling and spends much of her free time cycling our fantastic Greenways across Munster.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

As a young child/teenager I got involved in running as we had an annual sports day in our local parish where we all aspired to perform to the best of our ability and enjoy a great community day in the process. We had fantastic parish volunteers locally who gave up so much time to help get everything ready for the annual sports day. The 100m was my race of choice and I was delighted to be in the top three on a number of occasions.

None of this could happen without the dedication of the committee and their team of volunteers. I now understand the dedication of those involved at the grass roots of the parish in encouraging us all to join in sports regardless of our ability. This fostered a love of running in many of the participants which has resulted in some fine athletes from the parish and, at a broader level, an appreciation of how sports can help us all stay fit and healthy and promote a feel good factor.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

Our local athletics club, the West Limerick Athletics Club (AC) inspires me as they have always maintained a great club for people of every ability with no facilities other than the local Demesne Town Park. A new state of the art Regional Athletics Hub is currently under development on the outskirts of Newcastle West in Co. Limerick which has taken years to get to fruition through the hard work and perseverance of the people involved.

This will really help all level of athletes train in all seasons and will bring a number of athletics clubs together in the region. This facility will be the first of its kind in the West Limerick /North Cork area and will also be used for regional and national competitions when completed in 2022.

West Limerick AC have great, dedicated coaches who work with all the juniors and foster a love of running and all are welcome and encouraged regardless of speed or ability.

The mantra is to get involved and enjoy and keep fit in the process. Every junior is encouraged to take part in events and the focus is on taking part and finishing the race which helps build character and life skills.

This new Regional Athletics Hub will provide a fantastic facility for all level of athletes and provide a top class facility for all the members to train locally in a state of the art facility and reach their personal best. I am really looking forward to seeing the new Hub finished in 2022 which will be a top class Regional Athletics Hub comparable to anywhere in Europe.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

Carolyn Hayes is our local Triathlon winner from Newcastle West Co. Limerick who competed in the recent Olympics and finished in the top 28. Carolyn previously won silver in the World Triathlon Cup in May 2021 and is currently ranked no. 28 in the World Triathlon rankings.

Carolyn is a fantastic example of dedication and commitment and a real model for young people. Carolyn cycled with our local Newcastle West Cycling Club and always encouraged everyone else to get involved.

Carolyn is also a doctor and really shows us what you can do if you are dedicated to your goals. She is a true ambassador for all women and promoting women’s sports at every level and has always taken time to encourage local sports clubs at every turn and encourage everyone to get involved regardless of ability.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Although I don’t run anymore I have taken up cycling and joined the local Newcastle West Cycling Club. Cycling really helps me maintain a balance in a busy live with family and also keeps me fit. I’ve competed in a number of cycling events such as the Ring of Beara, in Kerry. Organised by one of our members we covered 175km and helped raise over €2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

We now have a new Greenway across West Limerick which has really helped encourage cyclists of all ages and families to cycle or walk together and enjoy quality time outdoors while taking in our fantastic countryside. I and my family are found here most weekends, whatever the weather.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

Currently I would say 3, depending on the company I am in. I am always striving to get better but that is a never ending story.

Posted on October 19, 2021October 13, 2021

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We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Peter Smyth, Client Relationship Manager from Moira who works with clients like Ballymacash Sports Academy, St Molaise GAC Irvinestown, Ballynahinch Rugby Club and Glendermott Cricket Club.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

I have had a love for sport for as long as I can remember. My real passion is for soccer and I loved nothing more at school than at break and lunchtime getting the football out and playing until the school bell rang. When I moved to grammar school I played rugby for the 1^st XV and have fond memories of lining out on a Saturday morning for my school team Rainey Endowed in Magherafelt. Those few years were probably my most enjoyable sporting years as I was playing along with boys who I sat in class with every day and with who I formed great friendships.

On leaving school I then played rugby for Rainey Old Boys’ for a few years and enjoyed stepping up to a higher level. This involved travel all over the country which I really enjoyed. Due to work commitments I stepped away from rugby and became more of a soccer fan again and especially when my son began to play for our local club Lurgan Town. I have been watching him play now every Saturday since he was four years of age and he is now 28.

He now plays for and captains Lurgan BBOB and while I love standing on the sidelines watching him play, nothing beats stepping over the white line oneself. I have now been brought onto the club committee and I enjoy employing my financial skills to assist in the club’s ongoing development.

Until recently I have been playing six a side soccer every Monday evening however having just reached a significant birthday I have gracefully retired! My one major regret is that I didn’t keep playing rugby competitively for much longer.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

To be honest I am reluctant and would struggle to single any one local club out. I continue to be amazed at the enthusiasm, energy and commitment of the vast number of volunteers involved across the full range of sports we have supported.

Our entire loan portfolio is characterised by dedicated teams of volunteers who give themselves selflessly to a range of causes including sport. Given the many mental health issues that have been caused by the COVID pandemic, sport is such a great channel to clear the head and focus on something positive.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

My local sporting hero, who unfortunately is no longer with us was George Best. He was quite simply a natural talent who excited the crowds and was someone who all youngsters wanted to be like in terms of his ball skills. I also admired Willie John McBride for his man management skills as well as his rugby playing ability. Leading the British Lions to an unbeaten tour in South Africa in 1974 was an amazing feat.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Sport is great medicine for one’s health and emotional wellbeing. There is nothing better than to get out in the fresh air and clear the head. Whether it be playing or just observing the game, it does push the stresses and strains of everyday life into the background which can only be beneficial.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

I’d say a 2, Fair.