Before last Saturday’s home game against Carrick, Linfield FC was proud to host the inaugural event for the newly established ‘Players against Dementia’ charity.  This charity, which was formed by ex-Irish league players, aims to increase awareness of the condition and particularly its prevalence amongst footballers, whilst also fundraising in order to invest in education and awareness programmes amongst current and future footballers.

The event was held in the Joe Bambrick lounge and was well attended by over 150 guests including representatives from the IFA, NIFL, PFA, Linfield, Glentoran, Carrick, Ards and Coleraine, along with Stephen Ferris (former rugby player) and the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt.  UTV’s Stephen Watson was the Master of Ceremonies and following a series of informative presentations, lunch was served.  This was followed by a ballot and the auctioning of a number of items including signed Liverpool, Rangers and Linfield shirts, a Lewis Crocker boxing glove and a football autographed by the Northern Ireland 1986 World Cup squad.  Of special interest to Linfield fans was the auctioning of a medal kindly donated to the event by Martin McGaughey.  This medal was presented to Martin in 1985 by the Sovereign Linfield Supporters Club, for the “Most improved player” in the year that Martin won his silver boot.  The medal sold for several hundred pounds and was purchased by a group comprising a number of the Linfield vice-presidents and Directors who subsequently donated the medal back to the club for display in the Windsor Park trophy cabinet beside Martin’s silver boot. A magnificent gesture by Martin and the group of purchasers and of course, very fitting that the medal will be displayed at Windsor Park.

A great event and credit must go to all of those involved in making it happen.