Top four ready for Super Cup

10 April 2019

THE Newcastle League has secured a lucrative sponsorship deal with Phoenix Gas for its innovative new Super Cup competition.

The end of season tournament between the Premier Division’s top four sides will see the winners receiving £1,000.

The semi-finals feature Mourne Rovers v Celtic Bhoys and Killough v Ballynagross, which is a repeat of the Harry Clarke Cup final.

Both semi-finals will take place at Kilmore playing fields on May Day, May 6.

The final will also be played at Kilmore on Friday, May 17, with proceeds from all three games going to PIPS, the league’s chosen charity.

Newcastle League secretary Alan Craig released details of the new competition at a special function in the Burrendale Hotel last Thursday night.

He said: “It is with great delight we are able to announce a sponsorship deal with Phoenix Gas that will see us give our top four teams the opportunity to play in a competitive tournament at the end of the season and also give us the opportunity to support such a vital charity as PIPS.

“Although mental health affects all, it is known that men are more reluctant to speak out about it. We hope that by supporting PIPS we can help raise awareness and that there is help out there if you need it.”

PIPS representative Brenda Mhac An Tsaoir added: “PIPS Downpatrick has been established for 14 years, we offer support and counselling to families bereaved through suicide.

We offer counselling and intervention services to those finding they are struggling with life.

“Recently, we were delighted to now offer children age 4-12 mindfulness sessions on a one-to-one basis and also in groups. We rely solely on fundraising and with the communities continued support we are able to carry out this vital work,” she continued.

“PIPS Downpatrick are overwhelmed by the support from the Newcastle League’s generous token of nominating us at the beneficiary for the upcoming Super Cup games. Not only does this raise vital funds, but more importantly it raises awareness of mental health services and for people to know it’s ok to reach out for help.”

Phoenix Natural Gas executive director Jonathan Martindale said: “Phoenix Natural Gas is currently working in the Newcastle area to extend the natural gas network and bring fuel choice to properties in the area.

“As a company actively engaged in the communities it serves, we are delighted to support the local sporting community in the Newcastle area.

“It’s great to see the Newcastle & District Amateur Football League continue to add real value to the area, promoting community cohesion and improving people’s health through sport and various programmes,” he said.

“We are delighted to see the Super Cup also taking the opportunity to fundraise for the PIPS charity who do great work in the local community.

“We will also be there on finals day with our special Phoenix Fuelling Station and providing giveaways so I would encourage everyone to in to Kilmore playing fields, say hello and enjoy the football on show.”

For more information on Phoenix Natural Gas visit www.phoenixnaturalgas.com.

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