Maggie Black Tournament benefits from Brighter Futures grant

Sep 30, 2022 | Uncategorised

The Trustees of the Brighter Futures Community Fund were delighted to support ‘The Maggie Black Tournament’, in partnership with Kilwaughter Minerals.

The Maggie Black Tournament was a hurling and camogie competition co-hosted by St. John’s Camogie Club and Shane O’Neill’s GAC Glenarm, held in memory of five-year-old Maggie Black who sadly passed away due to a rare illness in December 2021, news which rocked the local community to its core.

Held alongside the annual Carnlough Festival from Monday 25th July until ‘Finals Day’ on Saturday 30th July, the tournament attracted national media attention with a number of stars from the hurling and camogie scene offering their support via video messages on social media to help raise awareness of the event, which aimed to promote sporting activity and a healthy lifestyle amongst primary school ages.

More than 150 young people took part in the event over the five-day period, with games taking place for age groups from U6 to U12. Throughout the week, an army of community led volunteers gave up their time to ensure that everything ran smoothly; while supporters came out in their numbers to celebrate Maggie’s life.

Reflecting on the £500 donation, Trustee Roy Logan said: “We were delighted to be able to offer support to St. John’s and Shane O’Neill’s GAC ahead of their tournament, which meant so much to the local community as we celebrated the life of Maggie Black.

“Sport plays such a vital role within our community and it was great to see St. John’s of Carnlough and Shane O’Neill’s of Glenarm working together to make this event happen. The fact that it was so well attended, by both players and spectators alike, goes to show how successful it was, and the five days created the perfect environment for the young players to learn more about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

“I would like to congratulate the event organisers on the success of the tournament, and give a special mention for the team of volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly.”

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