Big turnout at successful MNDA Fundraiser

7 June 2025

Huge turnout for the 'NOHC Play 4 MND' mixed hockey fundraiser

It was a fantastic day at the mixed hockey match at Newry Olympic on Saturday 7th June 2025, to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The match between a “Home” squad and a team of “Exiles”, all current or past members, produced some great hockey for the big crowd who turned out to watch the game and support the event.

The Home team captained by Paul McCullough, consisted of past and current NOHC members from Newry, Bessbrook, Warrenpoint, Rathfriland, Jerrettspass and Meigh. The Exiles were from the Rest of the World and was captained by Michael McCullough.

It was a real family day with lots of friends, old & new, meeting up once again and enjoying amazing food provided after the match from the bbq. The craic and socialising continued into the evening in the clubhouse.

Most importantly, more than £4,000 was raised for the MNDA!

Well done to everyone involved, especially to chief organisers Paul and Michael (Bod) McCullough for their enthusiasm and drive in arranging the event! Thanks also to all the sponsors, volunteers, players and umpires for making the day such a success!

For the record... not that it mattered, both teams shared the trophy with the final score 3-3. The trophy was presented by Club President Norman Baird to both team captains.

Match Report

There were over 40, (yes 40!), male and female players selected for each side, giving plenty of opportunity to switch and rest players throughout the match. With a very broad age range across both teams and the Home squad playing in red and the Exiles in white, there was a great display of retro shirts and former sponsors logo's from over the years to interest and amuse the crowd.

Full credit to the team captains and managers in organising their eleven on the field for each quarter, while switching players and changing tactics as the pace of the game heated up.

First Half

In the opening quarter, after a tentative start by both sides, it was the 'Home' team who drew first blood, with Keith McWilliams smashing the ball past the 'Exiles' keeper for a 1-0 lead just before the break.

In Q2, with chances flowing at both ends, Cody Large found the equaliser for the Exiles and the first half ended 1-1 in what was proving to be a really exciting game.

Second Half

After half-time, the match went up another gear and it was Cody Large once again for the Exiles, who made a great solo run from defence, all the way into the Home circle and crashed another great shot into the opposition net for 2-1 to the Exiles.

The lead didn't last for long however, Mark McGrath picked up the ball at the edge of the circle, stepped forward and placed a great shot into the Exiles net to level the game once again at 2-2, just before the end of the third quarter. No-one was more pleased (or surprised) with their goal, than Mark himself as he turned to the crowd with arms aloft!

In the final quarter both sides were pushing hard for the winner. It was the team in red who got their nose in front once again through a trademark fiercely hit reverse shot from Keith McWilliams. However, not to be outdone, Adam Liggett forced his way through the Home defence and after rounding his father Paul, he smashed the ball into the roof of the net for the Exile's equaliser.

Despite some determined efforts, there was no more score and the game ended in a deserved 3-3 draw for both sides.

Thanks to umpires Francesca Santoro Ferrer and Norman Toombs for keeping great control throughout the game.

Scorers:

Newry: Keith McWilliams (2), Mark McGrath

Exiles: Cody Large (2), Adam Liggett

Keeping in contact...

It was great to see so many former members back at the club for the match.

So that it’s easier for the club to keep in contact and let you know what’s happening, if you’re not already a member why not sign up again, at least as an Associate member.

Even better if you’d like to start playing regularly again, you’ll always be more than welcome at NOHC!