A Co Fermanagh football team for dads who have lost a child got off to winning ways in their first official game.
Sands United Enniskillen was first set up in February by local dad Dean Merrett after his own family story of baby loss. The team now has regular training with dozens of local fathers.
The team takes its lead from other similar teams which have sprung up throughout Northern Ireland.
READ MORE: Co Fermanagh woman on liver transplant that saved her life after four failed attempts
As part of the Lady of the Lake festival in Irvinestown, Sands United picked up a 6-3 win over Ginger’s Wednesday Night Select at the Bawnacre.
Club chairman Malcolm Weir said it was a proud moment for all those involved to see the team through to its first competitive game.
“It’s good to see where we’ve come from,” Malcolm told MyFermanagh. “There were just six or seven of us there on the first night back earlier this year and now being able to get a squad together is something special.
“That’s made everyone proud and with all of our family and friends down watching it was a great occasion.
“Fair play to the team from Irvinestown who approached us to see if we would be interested in coming down. They were looking for someone to play during the festival and we were delighted they came to us.
“It was a good advertisement with the Lady of the Lake going on and it being so popular. It puts our wee team in the spotlight that wee bit more for anybody that didn’t know about us.
“All those wee things help in the journey.”
Sands found themselves 2-0 down but a goal from the chairperson helped them on their way to a famous victory in their first game.
READ NEXT:
-
NI dad’s warning after family home destroyed in house fire started by phone charger
-
Cole's Monument Enniskillen: Council 'keen' to increase frequency of tours to local attraction
-
Popular Co Fermanagh butcher moves into historic bank premises
-
Co Fermanagh GAA club ‘disgusted’ at act of vandalism on home grounds
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
