Ballinahown FC's 1,000-minute match raises over €35,000
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Thomas Webb and Willie Ryan at the Ballinahown FC 1,000 minute marathon football fundraising event. Paul Molloy PhotographyImage 2 of 6
Eimear Keenan, Sarah Keenan and Kevin Keenan at the recent Ballinahown FC 1,000 minute marathon football fundraiser. Paul Molloy PhotographyImage 3 of 6
Saoirse Quinn, Mollie Henry, Saoirse McQuaid and Ada Rose Quinn at the Ballinahown FC fundraising event. Paul Molloy PhotographyImage 4 of 6
Many hands: Lucas Webb, Fionn Ryan, Dean Costelloe Coughlan, Thomas Webb, Michael Daly, Brian Costelloe Coughlan and Lorcan McGuinness at the Ballinahown FC 1,000 minute marathon football fundraiser. Paul Molloy PhotographyImage 5 of 6
Lorcan McGuinness, Marguerite McGuinness and Alison McGuinness at the Ballinahown FC 1000 minute marathon football match. Paul Molloy PhotographyImage 6 of 6
Lucy Foley, Katrina Kenny, Mollie Keogh, Fáinche Ennis, Cara Ennis, May Reihill and Grace Reyes at the Ballinahown FC 1000 minute marathon football fundraiser last Sunday. Photo Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy PhotographyBallinahown FC has thanked all those involved in its novel 1,000-minute soccer match fundraiser, which proved a huge success when it was held last month. The event has raised in excess of €35,000 and the club said in a statement: "We want to thank everyone for the incredible support they’ve shown the club over the last few months since the fundraiser was announced.
"From players, coaches and parents to businesses and community members, we cannot thank everyone enough."
Club chairman Tommy Parker said: "I would like to thank the hard-working organising committee for their drive and energy over the past few months in organising it. And a big 'shout out' to the parents, too, for their drive on the fundraising end of it."
He said the money raised would allow the club to continue to grow over the coming years.
"We are one of the cheapest clubs in terms of registration fees, and we want to keep it that way," he added. "We want to keep it at a minimum,"
The club said the day itself was a tremendous success and it achieved its aim of a non-stop 1,000 minute soccer match, kicking off at 7.20am and concluding at midnight, with more than 200 goals scored throughout!
The organising committee thanked those who manned the face-painting tent, the BBQ, provided music, manned the coffee station, provided baked goods, managed the club's Facebook page, photographers, those who kept the score, and everyone who helped with the preparation and clean-up.
The committee also thanked Ballinahown Sports Park committee for the free use of its facilities on the day.