Royal Irish Regiment takes part in Market Drayton charity football match
A charity football match was held to welcome back a Shropshire-based regiment into the community following its eight-month tour of Afghanistan.
The match involved soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, based at Tern Hill near Market Drayton.
It took place in support of the Royal Irish Benevolent Fund as well as raising money for the Midlands Air Ambulance.
The match was held on Thursday(OCT5) at the home of Market Drayton Football Club at Greenfields Lane.
It saw Market Drayton Town Reserves play against members of the regiment.
The battalion had been part of the international Kabul Protection Unit in Afghanistan providing transport and security in its Foxhound armoured vehicles.
It is part of NATO’s Op Resolute Support which has remained in Afghanistan to train, advise and assist.
About 450 soldiers from the regiment took part in the tour – some of which stayed out there for about four months, and some for the full eight months.
Nick Roberts, who helped organise the event, said: "We wanted to welcome home 1st Royal Irish back from their tour in Afghanistan and help them integrate back into the community as well as help raise money for the Royal Irish Benevolent Fund.
"I also wanted to raise some money for the Midlands Air Ambulance – a great local cause.
"All admission fees and proceeds will be split 50/50. Anything taken across the bar and food will go to the club. I had a raffle with some great prizes, half-time entertainment, mid game speed cage competition and entertainment after the match.
"The event went well. A representative from the Midlands Air Ambulance attended.
"The attendance was around 60 to 70, which wasn't bad bearing in mind the international games that were on the TV and the weather.
"The money raised was just over £600 so £300 to each. Not bad when you break it down to £100 per hour raised.
"The Royal Irish went 1-0 up in a tightly contested first half then as the second half went on Market Drayton took the game by the scruff of the neck and scored two well constructed goals – the first from Liam Dunphy and the winner by the player manager Dan Pollard.
"It was a really good night and enjoyed by all. Half time entertainment was provided by Studio J Irish Dance Group."
Following the match, he posted on Facebook: "Boots back on last night during the charity match. First game in three years and only managed a half and at right back. I'll be a keeper soon. Great crack – feeling it today."
