The Night-Time Gaelic Programme in the East Down area came to a close on Friday 19 February at St Patrick’s Grammar School, Downpatrick. The Programme which was organised by the Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), in conjunction with the East Down GAA, saw up to 150 young people come along to participate in a night of sport.
The three week intervention programme aimed at young people aged between 13-15 years old, ran over three Friday Nights in February and was aimed at encouraging young people to take part in sport as opposed to ‘hanging around’ the streets or participating in anti-social behaviour.
Local Neighbourhood Policing Officers, along with the PCSP Officer, arranged a number of activities for the young people which highlighted the dangers of alcohol, online safety and getting home safe. Young people also had the opportunity to participate in circuit training and learn about the importance of health and wellbeing. Local Down GAA Player Peter Turley was present on the night to talk to the young people.
Chairman of the PCSP, Councillor Mickey Larkin said: “This youth diversionary programme was a huge success and attendance levels surpassed all expectations. Young people were given a chance to compete in a controlled environment and to meet new friends. It is also a great opportunity for the PCSP and the East Down GAA to be partners in a programme.”
Sean McCashin, Chairperson East Down GAA said: “I am delighted that so many clubs from the East Down area took part and I would like to thank their coaches and managers for making this possible. The clubs in attendance included Drumaness, Darragh Cross, Dromara, Kilclief, Loughinisland, Ardglass, Aughlisnafin, Bryansford, RGU, Saul and Teconnaught. This is a great initiative and hope that it can run on an annual basis”.
