By Alan Rodgers

SCORES of elderly or vulnerable people in the Galbally area in county Tyrone have been benefitting from a novel initiative which has seen them being given free bags of coal.

It’s all thanks to a partnership between the local Pearses GAA club and the Community Foundation. As well as offering help with the heating of their homes, officials hope that the provision of the 20kg bags of coal will also remind the recipients of their important value to the club and wider community.

Throughout the past few days, there has been a regular stream of volunteers delivering the coal to those most in need.

Club chairman, Noel McKeown, has praised the efforts of everyone involved.

“We are acutely aware of the worry that the Coronavirus spread is causing in all sections of our community, particularly our elderly relatives, friends and neighbours,” he said.

“These are indeed uncertain times when it is vital that we all continue to look out for each other and help the most vulnerable while following the appropriate health guidelines.

“The club has been relying on the ever-present goodwill of our members and the wider community to ensure that this project is a success and that the elderly members who are most in need receive their bag at this time.”

Mr McKeown thanked LCC Coal for supplying the fuel, and said the scheme is proving to be a silver lining in what is a very tough time for everyone in society.

“The Community Foundation grant come forward and thanks to the work of our Children’s Officer, Kevin McVeigh, we have been able to avail of such a great scheme.

“It’s all about the ethos of the GAA and the fact that volunteers are once again here to help at all times in the community.

“The reaction which we’ve been getting has been extremely positive and people do appreciate the goodwill gesture. Doing something like this is borne and bred into the GAA community and we aim to be always there to help the community in need.

“There is no training, meetings or activities, things are still proceeding on an individual basis. What’s happening is affecting everybody and hopefully this gesture will bring a wee smile to the faces of people and help them continue in life.”