TRAVELLERS BEATEN BY GARDAI AT THE SHOWGROUNDS
AN GARDA Siochána defeated Sligo Traveller Support Group in their annual soccer match on Tuesday this week.
In the fourth annual Martin Mongan Memorial Shield game, the final score was 4-2 to the gardaí. It was an evenly contested and competitive game at the Seán Fallon Centre at the Showgrounds.
The game was also a fundraiser for suicide prevention charity North West Stop.
On a blustery Tuesday afternoon it was the Garda team who took an early lead – only to be pegged back to 1-1 shortly afterwards. The gardaí then regained the initiative with another goal to lead 2-1 at half-time.
The Traveller Support Group drew level with their opponents in the second-half and looked to have the upper hand, but two quickfire goals meant the game ended with the Garda Síochána team retaining the shield with a 4-2 victory.
The shield was presented to winning captain Mick Kelly by TDs Martin Kenny and Frank Feighan and Garda Inspector Pat Harney.
Jamie Murphy from Sligo Traveller Support Group said: “It was a really tough and evenly matched game and unfortunately on this occasion for us we didn’t get the victory.
“Congratulations to the gardaí. We are already looking forward to next year.
“It was an important day in terms of bringing people together in a positive way through sport and helping create more awareness about the mental health and suicide crisis that impacts all communities in Ireland.
“For us it was particularly important considering the disproportionately high rates of suicide in the Traveller community.
“We were delighted with how the day went and were glad we could raise some funds for North West Stop.
“We would encourage anyone who is struggling in any way with their mental health or wellbeing to reach out for help. “Organisations like Stop, Sligo Traveller Support Group and others are always there to provide support, counselling and whatever else we can to help someone in need.”