Hundreds play in PG tourney
Contest tribute to murder victim
The sixth Mcgilvray Family Football Tournament will take place later this month.
An annual event held in aid of Lanarkshire-based FFAMS (Family and Friends Against Murder Suicide), it takes place in memory of memory of murdered Hamilton man Paul Gerard Mcgilvray, known as PG.
Scores of teams, including friends of PG, will descend on Hamilton Palace Grounds to play in the day-long tourney.
And this year 200 girls who play at under-12 level section will take part thanks to the support of Hamilton Academical Womens’ and Girls’ Football Club.
FFAMS founder, PG’S aunt Ann Marie Cocozza, said: “We are delighted to have three local businesses sponsor us this year: Wellman Cars, Optical Factory and Hamilton West Golf Society. “Each year we have great difficulty in getting businesses to support us because of the nature of our charity being murder, suicide and suicidal behaviours. “It is still such a taboo subject. “However, through such support from these businesses and Hamilton Accies, Paul Gerard’s memory continues to live on each year with this much-anticipated festival of football. “It is also about raising awareness of the impact of murder and suicides on families, friends and communities.”
Trophies will be presented by Accies player Michael Devlin after the tournament at the Cosy Corner bar in Hamilton.
Paul Gerard, of Neilsland Road, was aged 20 when he was stabbed to death as he picked up his girlfriend from a house party in Annathill Gardens, near Coatbridge, in 2004.
The following year Sean Toal, of Cumbernauld, was convicted of killing him and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.
FFAMS, which was set up following PG’S death by his family, is a registered charity based in Bellshill who specialise in supporting those left behind after the death of a loved one through murder or suicide.
For more information or support from the charity go online to www. fams.org.uk.