Northern Ireland fans raise £2.5k for Cystic Fibrosis Trust

The Ballyclare-based supporters raised £1,500 for the worthy cause during last month’s UEFA Nations League clash with Romania during a fundraising barbecue at the town’s Sportsmans Inn.

Last night while Ian Baraclough’s men were creating history to make it to the crunch Euro 2020 Play-Off final against Slovakia, the local members of the Green And White Army were generously supporting the charitable organisation. Almost £1,000 was donated at the event.

Gary Wallace, who is a member of the Newtownabbey NISC, has organised an August Bank Holiday fundraising event for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust for the past decade.

This year’s event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the help of the team at The Sportsmans Inn, Gary was able to get some vital funding for the CFT.

Speaking to the Times, he said: “I would like to thank all the staff in The Sportsmans.

“They quickly arranged the barbecue for the Romania match and last night’s ballot for Cystic Fibrosis Trust after our annual event had to be cancelled on August Bank Holiday Sunday.

“All money collected for the food that was served to allow them to open after initial lockdown was also donated to CFT.

“We raised £1,500 at the Romania match and nearly £1,000 last night.

“I’d also like to thank McGees Butchers who provided the meat for the barbecue free and Peter Thomas Photography who donated two £200 vouchers and of course all the local GAWA who attended the events.

“I’d like to thank Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Mayor, Cllr Jim Montgomery for his donation of £100, raised after he got two Manchester United supporters to turn up in his beloved Liverpool shirts.”

Praising Gary for his fundraising efforts, Cllr Montgomery said: “I was delighted to show my support for cystic fibrosis through Gary’s fundraiser.

“It gave me even more pleasure that I was able to get two Manchester United supporters wearing Liverpool tops in order to raise money for the event.

“All credit to Stephen and Leonard for doing it. They were hoping the face masks would hide their identity!”

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