More than 100 people turned out to support a multi-nations soccer league held in Termonfeckin Celtic Football Club on Easter Monday.
The tournament was run by the club in association with the Termonfeckin Welcomes group, which was set up earlier this year to support and welcome those who have recently moved to the village from far-flung corners of the globe.
Six teams of six competed in the competition on the club’s astro pitches in, at times, challenging weather conditions. Two of the teams were made up of men currently living in the Triple House direct provision centre in the village which accommodates men from Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Togo, Georgia, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Algeria and Nigeria seeking International Protection in Ireland.
Ukrainian families fleeing war in their country are currently living in the former Seapoint retreat centre in the village.
Both groups are being supported by the Termonfeckin Welcomes group which has 35 active volunteering members and was formed earlier this year by Termonfeckin locals to assist and welcome those seeking refuge in the village.
The matches were refereed by Vinny Mulholland and Emmet Nichol while Thomas Corrigan organised the match schedules. The event was coordinated by the club’s Dave Looney, while refreshments, cakes and sandwiches were supplied by Termonfeckin Welcomes volunteers.
Liam Harbison of Termonfeckin Welcomes said: “We were delighted to have such wholehearted support from Termonfeckin Celtic FC, who kindly hosted the event with us. It sends a strong signal that we are a welcoming community in Termonfeckin and that our local sporting organisations are inclusive of all those who live in that community, regardless of where they are from”.
