NI 1982 World Cup hero flags up importance of fair play

NORTHERN Ireland’s 1982 World Cup hero Gerry Armstrong was a surprise guest at the annual Brendan Keogh Youth League awards evening held in the Silverbirch Hotel recently.

Forty years on from scoring that famous goal which earned Billy Bingham’s men in green a sensational 1-0 victory over hosts Spain in Valencia, Armstrong was on hand to speak to some of the next generation of footballing stars from the Tyrone and Fermanagh area.

During his address the former Spurs player, who has strong family links in Fintona and Omagh, flagged up the importance of fair play and sportsmanship which he said would serve young players well as they continue their journey in the game.

The evening concluded with the presentations which included two special awards.

The Services to Youth Football award was presented to Davy Robinson of Enniskillen Rangers while the Most Sporting Coach of the Year accolade went to Strathroy Harps’ Paul McCabe.

Fivemiletown United picked up the Fair Play awards at under-11, under-17 and under-19 level while Lisbellaw United and Tummery Athletic were under-13 and under 15 winners respectively. Not surprisingly it was Fivemiletown United who walked off with the overall award.