[/caption] Mark McCormick said, “The fencing along the Loughinisland Lake is almost 25 years old and following a number of accidents it has become severely damaged and left in a state of disrepair. In one of these accidents a school bus was close to falling down into the lake which would have resulted in unthinkable tragedy. “It is only a matter of time before another accident takes place and I believe that a steel crash barrier along the lake is needed in the interests of road safety and could be the difference between life and death.” Local residents of the Loughinisland Road have collected a petition of concern which was presented to Mark McCormick who then personally delivered it to the DRD Roads Structures Department at Rathkeltair House in Downpatrick along with his request for a steel crash barrier. “It was great to see local people joining together and signing this petition as they recognised the dangers on the Loughinisland Road and that a solution was needed in the form of a steel crash barrier. I hope that we will receive a positive response from the DRD and will inform residents of any updates I receive,” added Green Party local government candidate Mark McCormick]]>

[/caption] The ‘McDonald’s Cup’ comprises staff football teams from across the UK and two Carryduff teams will be participating in the Belfast Regional Heat, which takes place on Tuesday 12^th April; one of the sides, Saintfield Sharpshooters, will be looking to reclaim their title having won the inaugural tournament in 2009.xa0 The winners then go on to represent Northern Ireland in a special finals day against staff teams from England, Scotland and Wales at the original home of football. And if the prospect of playing on the famous Wembley pitch doesn’t provide suitable motivation, the crew members have the added incentive of playing in front of goalkeeping legend and McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football Pat Jennings, who will be presiding over the Belfast tournament. Commenting on the upcoming competition, Pat Jennings said,xa0“This will be the third year of the McDonald’s Cup which is a competitive and enjoyable tournament and one that has grown year on year.xa0 As the Official Community Partner of the IFA since 2002, McDonald’s has driven the development of grassroots football across Northern Ireland, for instance by creating over 500 new community coaches and we are committed to providing more football opportunities for all. “It is a special occasion to play at Wembley and when you consider that some of the greatest players in the game have never experienced it, this is a great incentive for all the staff teams involved.” The McDonald’s Cup forms part of McDonald’s and the IFA’s Community Partnership which drives grassroots football throughout Northern Ireland.xa0 An exciting new four year programme has been agreed to develop opportunities and strengthen structures that will leave a lasting legacy for grassroots football in Northern Ireland.xa0 The new programme will be officially launched in mid-April.]]>

PROGRAMME OF REFEREE BEGINNERS CLASSES 2011

VENUE	DATE	TIME
WHITEHEAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HALL KINGS ROAD WHITEHEAD	MONDAY APRIL 4th for six consecutive Monday evenings	19.30 – 21.30
IRISH F A OFFICES 20 WINDSOR AVENUE BELFAST BT9 6EG	THURSDAY MAY 5th for four consecutive Thursday evenings	19.00 – 22.00

Cost of the course is £50.00 which includes the referee registration fee for season 2010 – 2011, and a referee starter pack. Cost of the course for students in full time education is £30.00. Participants only need to register with the Referee Instructor on the first day of the course. On completion of the course candidates will be eligible to referee at youth and junior levels in local football. Please direct any enquiries to [email protected] or call Alan Snoddy, Referee Development Officer at 02890 669458.]]>

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