That’s the spirit

That’s the spirit

25 August 2021

A DRUMANESS man has won a prestigious award for his services to his local soccer club.

Darran McQuoid received the Spirit of Sport award at the Sunday Life Spirit of NI awards ceremony in Belfast last week.

Darran (42) has described receiving the honour as “humbling”, as he was recognised for his vital role in the development of youth systems at his beloved Drumaness Mills.

“I felt really humbled when I was announced as the winner of the Spirit of Sport,” said Darran. 

“I think it is very important to highlight that this award was for every volunteer that gives up their time on a weekly basis in cold, wet conditions when it would be a lot easier to sit indoors within the comfort of your own home.” 

Darran was nominated for the award by anonymous members of the village community as an appreciation to his tireless and stellar work for the development of youth football in the area. 

The Drumaness stalwart made the trip to the Culloden Hotel where he received the accolade on Thursday evening.

“At the event I was speaking to Downpatrick lady Deirdre Armstrong, who was a Macmillan nurse for a number of years. I also spoke to a policeman who had donated his kidney to a young boy in need,” said Darran. 

These people aren’t doing the amazing things they have done for publicity. It puts things into perspective, especially when you have those days when you question whether what you are doing is worthwhile.”

Darranworks full-time as head of operations for Praxis Care in Bangor whilst also working part-time as a community respite worker for adults with learning disabilities.

A self-proclaimed born and bred Drumaness man, Darran wanted to offer the young people in his village the same opportunities he was offered when he grew up during what he described as Mills’ “golden age”.

“The club set up a youth development system seven years ago, and we’ve grown it from just 12 children to over one hundred now,” he explained.

“Growing up in Drumaness I was lucky to be born in an era when the club was a strong force in football,” he continued. 

“I initially took an active role in the club because it was on my doorstep, but I noticed there were local kids who were leaving to go to other clubs and I wanted to be apart of providing the opportunities to the kids that have been given from the likes of Ray Gormley, Seamus Heath and Paul Moore.” 

Darran now holds multiple roles at the club, including head of youth development and club secretary.

Perhaps his biggest challenge came over lockdown when young people suffered most with no outlet to connect to their local sports clubs.

“During the strange times during lockdown we were able to set up our own zoom initiatives. That was mostly for mental wellbeing,” he said.

“I also was involved alongside the Co Down Rural Community Group, and together we delivered food parcels to those who needed it most.”

The club also took the opportunity to improve their facilities which they never had the time to do pre-pandemic. 

“We had areas to improve on over lockdown. It was a positive that came out of it. We put in place a small stand on our ground, updated changing facilities and had more time to discuss progressive ideas,” said Darran.

“We want to put more younger members on the committee, we are volunteer led and the youth are the ones who are going to keep our club going,” he continued. 

“The majority of the volunteers are all in full time employment as well, so it’s important that every year we want to help our club grow with new people walking through the door.”