Rathfriland to celebrate the arrival of the baton

Rathfriland is gearing up to celebrate the arrival of the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton to Northern Ireland, the 67th of 70 Commonwealth 
destinations.

Moneyslane Football Club Juniors are to play a memorable key role in the build-up to the Commonwealth Games when the Juniors will wear their famous Blue and White Kits along with other local groups to form a Guard of Honour in Rathfriland Square this Thursday May 22.

A spokesperson for Moneyslane FC commented: “The honour for the town symbolises the coming together of all Commonwealth nations and territories in preparation for the four-yearly festival of sport and culture.

“There is going to be a festival around the arrival of the baton, but details have yet to be finalised, though it is hoped an iconic Rathfriland feature will play an important role. “

“It will also help to put our local community on the world map as photographs and media coverage is circulated around the 53 Commonwealth countries with the backdrop of the Mourne mountains.”

The Baton contains a message calling athletes to competition in Glasgow and will be read out at the Opening Ceremony on July 23.

The Northern Ireland route will be based around specific events rather than a street relay as witnessed during 2012.

A spokesperson for the The Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council said it welcomed “Rathrfriland’s celebration of Commonwealth Sport.”