General
- Friday July 28th, 2023 @ 12:45
Bermo Testimonial Beneficiaries Confirmed
Ian Bermingham has confirmed that The Saints In The Community Programme, Ballyfermot United Youth Section and Cherry Orchard Running Club will be three of the partners and beneficiaries of his testimonial next month.
'Bermo' signed for St Patrick's Athletic at the start of the 2010 season and played 452 times for the club.
He won a league title (2013), two FAI Cups (2014 & 2021), two League Cups (2015 & 2016), a President's Cup (2014) and played in many memorable European games for the club before his retirement at the end of the 2022 season.
Ian Bermingham's testimonial will take place in Richmond Park on September 9th, full details of the match and associated events HERE
Bermo and Community Officer Niall Cully, welcomed John Belmont (Ballyfermot United Chairman) and Kenneth O Driscoll (CORC Founder/Head Coach) to Richmond Park earlier this week.
Ian said:
"I'm delighted to partner up with Saints In The Community, Ballyfermot United and Cherry Orchard running club.
I started with Ballyfermot United as a six year old, and played most of my schoolboy career there, it's a great club filled with great people, they've had big rebuild over the last couple of years, including a thriving girls section so I'm delighted to be able to contribute and give something back to a club that has put a lot of time and effort into me as a schoolboy.
I've seen the work that Kenneth and all the coaches at Cherry Orchard Running Club do, they have had a really positive impact on the adults and kids of the area over the last ten years, both physically and mentally. The club gives a lot of people an outlet to exercise and mix with people, it's getting bigger and bigger each year. I've gone on some runs with Kenneth with the club, it's very enjoyable and a great way to exercise.
The Saints In The Community Programme has done amazing work in the area over the last number of years, initially under Dave Morrissey and now under Niall Cully. It's great to see so many young people from the area involved in the club and coming to the games on a Friday night at Richmond Park, it's no co-incidence that our home crowds have increased so much. I think a big part of that is that work that Niall does, and that Dave did before him. I'm delighted to be able to contribute in come way to the programme moving forward."
Community Officer Niall Cully said:
"It's been a pleasure to watch Ian play for and captain the club across his 13 seasons.
His contribution on the pitch was immense and his achievements speak for themselves.
We would like to thank Ian for his kind contribution to the community programme, which will provide a great benefit to the many schools, youth groups and other organisations we work alongside.
We wish Ian the very best of luck."
ABOUT BALLYFERMOT UNITED
Ballyfermot United SSC is a football club founded in 1961 off the back of the famous Road Leagues that were based in Ballyfermot. Since then the club has served the kids and adults in the community of Ballyfermot.
Over the last number of years the club have undertaken a revamp, in 2015, they fielded 3 Schoolboy teams in the DDSL and 3 Adults teams in the LSL and AFL.
Now in 2023, they currently have a Junior Academy, taking players from 4 years of Age, 21 Schoolboy Teams, 6 Schoolgirl Teams, 3 LSL Teams and 1 AFL Over 35s teams.
This is a growth undertaken by local volunteers from committee members, coaches and club members.
Ballyfermot United SSC main aim is to provide a fun, safe and pressure free environment for players to grow and develop both on and off the field.
John Belmont, Ballyfermot United Chairman, said:
"We are delighted to be selected by Ian Bermingham as one of the beneficiaries of his testimonial.
Ian started his football journey at Ballyfermot United and has always been a wonderful supporter for our club as well as a role model for many of our players.
Our players look at how Ian has risen from the Lawns to the Top of League of Ireland Football and how he conducts himself on and off the pitch and this gives them encouragement to be able to achieve the same.
On behalf of everyone at Ballyfermot United SSC, we would like to wish Ian all the very best in his next chapter and thank both Ian and St Patrick's Athletic for allowing us be a part of this great occasion."
ABOUT CHERRY ORCHARD RUNNING CLUB
Cherry Orchard Running Club was established in 2014 to help the community live a healthier lifestyle through Running.
The club consists of beginners, juveniles and senior runners and it's mission is make running accessible to every member of the community, with a no fees policy for the juvenile section.
Kenneth O Driscoll CORC Founder/Head Coach, said
"We are delighted to be to be picked as a beneficiary to Ian's testimonial.
These funds will go a long way to help our Juveniles progress in the sport of running, a huge thanks to Ian and St Pat's for this opportunity."
Keep an eye on our club website and social media pages for more updates and information.
