Northern Ireland Regions Cup manager Harry McConkey says he was in a no lose situation last Wednesday night when his Western side took on the Republic of Ireland at Ferney Park in a warm up for the European Championships.
The game might have been lost 1-0 but Willowbridge School, where Harry is a former teacher, were the big winners with the night used to raise funds for a new minibus for the school.
“While we lost this game 1-0 late on to an unfortunate own goal it was a night that I felt I couldn’t really lose no matter what the final score read -which is rare in football!
“Firstly it was a friendly fixture with no European points at stake, the performance was always more important to me than the result.
We got to try out playing three at the back and threw in a few players at the deep end in positions where we feel we needed to look at before going in to the final weeks. I knew the Republic of Ireland would be good opponents after their success in qualifying for the finals after winning their group in Italy .
Secondly, I was always going to be delighted to see my former pupils and working colleagues and every £1 raised from the night would be a pound closer to the Rotary Clubs target.
“Blessed with good weather it was a very successful evening and I wish to thank Ballinamallard Utd FC and Helen Hirst for their fabulous facilities and hospitality, Kenny Fisher and the Rotary Club team for supervising the gate and running the half time draw,Willowbridge School pupils and staff for their entertainment at half time and post match, The Print Factory for sponsoring the match programme and finally all those who attended the game and supported a very good cause.”
And the FAI have done their bit to help with the fundraising for Willowbridge, as Harry explains. 
“Dennis Cruise FAI Junior Council secretary and his team donated a Irish International Jersey signed by Martin O Neill, Robbie Keane and the team as well as two tickets and an overnight stay in Dublin for the next International game at the Aviva. I have forwarded these to Kenny Fisher and they will be used at a Rotary Club fund raising dinner for Willowbridge School minibus later in the year. So a very special thanks to the FAI, Gerry Davis and his players for helping us prepare for Moldova as well assisting with our fund raising.”