Sion sports clubs on mission to restore old pavillion

TWO Sion Mills sports clubs have joined together to launch a massive prize draw to help fund the restoration of Sion Mills sports pavilion.

The Brae football pitches which are used by Sion Swifts Football Club and the Holm Field cricket ground which is used by Sion Mills Cricket Club sit side by side outside the village with the pavilion nestled between the two.

Sadly, the pavilion was destroyed by a series of fires in recent years.
Both clubs have agreed to raise funds to restore the pavilion to its former glory for shared usage.

Mr ET Herdman developed the Holm Field and Brae to provide sporting facilities in the village, and he founded Sion Mills Cricket Club in 1864 and later built the football pitches.

The organising of the prize draw is being headed up by Tomazina Harkin and Simon Galloway.
Tomazina said, ‘This is the biggest draw we have ever undertaken.

“While it is a daunting challenge, both clubs are eager to make it a great success.

“We are asking that all our supporters near and far, support us by entering the draw, especially given the great range of prizes.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors for their support,” said Tomazina.
Sion Mills Cricket Club is one of the oldest sporting institutions in Ireland having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2014 and is also the most successful cricket team in North West history.

Unfortunately in more recent times and since the closure of Herdmans Mill, the club has struggled to replicate its former glory days.
Simon Galloway, Sion Mills Cricket Club Secretary said, “We see this as a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on our local and surrounding communities.
“For too long we have been in the doldrums and merely keeping our heads above the water. Now, with the recent welcome return of the Swifts to their home ground, we are all in a much stronger position to move forward collectively for the good of the sports, youth and communities as a whole.”

Kevin Boyle, Swifts chairman added, ‘Swifts don’t often do major fundraising events but we have agreed to do this to help kick start the pavilion regeneration process and help sport return to the village.”

Draw tickets are available now and costs £100. The top prize is a brand-new car from Greg Mitchell Motors, runner up prizes include a £1,000 travel voucher from Mango travel, cash prizes of up to £1,000 with 60 additional prizes.

• Tickets can be purchased either as a one-off payment, four payments of £25 or 10 weekly payments of £10. Online payment can be made via paypal.me/SionSwiftsFC or purchased from Mal’s Barbers, Sion Mills & RK’s Menswear, Strabane.