Bellaghy open their doors for drug awareness talk

By Michael McMullan

IT’S the height of the playing season but Bellaghy open their doors to the world on Saturday afternoon (2pm) for a drug awareness talk from Dublin All-Ireland medal winner Philly McMahon.

The Ballymun Kickhams man lost his brother after a battle with drug addiction and he will lift the lid on the story this weekend.

Former Bellaghy and Derry player Joe Diver will also be in attendance and will tell of his battle with alcoholism and his journey through to the other side.

The event is free of charge, will take place at the club grounds and is open to anyone above the age of 15.

It comes after the club’s health and wellbeing committee got their heads together to look at the vision and values within the local community.

Many corners of the world have been affected by an increase in issues surrounding drug addiction.

Bellaghy made the decision to offer the hand of support to anyone in need and educate others of the dangers.

“I suppose it was brought up that we should be doing a little bit more for the community,” said Kieran Glackin, who leads up the organising committee for Saturday’s event.

“I took it upon myself to fire Philly McMahon a social media message, asking if he had any advice or would be willing to contribute.”

The reply was instant and the wheels were put in motion with the decision to open their doors to everyone.

“Although we have a fierce rivalry on the pitch, I think all neighbouring clubs have great respect for each other and the work they’re doing,” Glackin added.

While drug addiction may not be an issue for everyone, Glackin admits they are not naive enough to think it won’t arrive on the club’s doorstep.

“There have been a few incidents from the local community, really good families within the community, not directly with the club but maybe through siblings,” Glackin added.

“We want to show those families that we’re here to support them. I think they’re very aware of the event and they’re more than happy for the event to be run.”

Hearing both Joe Diver and Philly McMahon’s stories, which are real life experiences, will strike a chord.

The hope will be that Saturday will help on two fronts. Any families caught up in addiction will be offered a helping hand to change their lives.

Also, it will paint a picture to anyone else of the importance of saying no to drugs and how it can damage lives.

“If someone’s in the room that’s actually directly involved, they will realise there is a way out,” Glackin said.

“There’ll be a lot of 16, 17, 18 year olds who are sitting there and are very naive to the world who, at the moment, have absolutely no intention of getting involved in any of it.

“Things can change. When they come in the early 20s and football or sport has left them behind.

“You’d like to think that if they ever did find themselves in the situation that they might just relate back to this particular evening. It might help them make the right decision rather than a wrong decision.”

The Choices event will take place on Saturday, June 29 at 2pm in Bellaghy. Admission is free and open to anyone aged 15 and above.