Portaferry Boy Walks Out With NI Heroes

Ronan’s favourite Northern Ireland player is Aaron Hughes who sadly was not able to play but prior to walking out with the team Ronan was very much looking forward to the occasion. Beforehand he also predicted a two one win for Northern Ireland and while the game ended goalless, Ronan will always savour the special occasion of walking out with his heroes at Windsor Park. [caption id="attachment_22123" align="alignleft" width="199" caption="Ronan Blair from Portaferry at the Northern Ireland v Slovenia match."][/caption] Providing player escorts for Northern Ireland home Internationals forms part of McDonald’s exciting new four year Community Partnership with the IFA which seeks to develop further opportunities and strengthen structures that will leave a lasting legacy for grassroots football in Northern Ireland. Commenting on the player escort experience Pat Jennings, McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland football said, “It’s great to be able to offer children the chance to meet their footballing heroes and to walk onto the pitch at Windsor Park as it’s an experience they will never forget.xa0 This is an exciting addition to our Community Partnership with the IFA which will continue to develop grassroots football across Northern Ireland over the next four years by providing more football opportunities for all.” As the Official Community Partner of the IFA since 2002, McDonald’s is proud to have helped to drive increased participation in grassroots football by training 500 new grassroots coaches, supporting local football clubs and delivering free coaching sessions in schools across Northern Ireland.xa0 A new four year programme has been agreed and will be officially launched in mid-April.]]>