QUADRANGULAR TOURNAMENT SET FOR DISTRICT

THE Umbro Quadrangular International Football Tournament is coming to the Banbridge district.

The tournament, contested between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, will see three games played in the area.

Two games - namely the mouthwatering clash between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and the Republic's game against Scotland - will be played at Crystal Park on Thursday 22 April at 5.45pm and Saturday 24 April, kick off 2.30pm respectively.

And there was a boost for Rathfriland FC who will host the other game in the district between the Republic and the Isle of Man on the tournament's opening day, Wednesday 21 April, with a 5.45pm kick off.

Welcoming the tournament to Rathfriland, the club's PRO, Eric Annett, said, "This has been a superb achievement by all at Rathfriland Football Club - it in many ways has been the culmination of our hardworking Commercial Manager Dessie Davenport and core of hard working committee members who have almost went beyond the call of duty at times over the last few years to ensure that the objectives and standards of the club have been met.

"When the bar was raised on the standards of clubs last year to maintain intermediate football status, Rathfriland FC was one of the first to pass the test.

"We have a pitch and facilities that some Irish League clubs would be proud of - all now in compliance with stringent health and safety and diasabled regulations.

"The Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man players and officals can be sure of the warmest of welcomes at Iveagh Park on Wednesday April 21 - it would be great for the Rathfriland FC supporters and the local community to turn up in good numbers to support the event.

"We have a club to be proud of and one which our former Chairman John Ingram would be so pleased with if he was here today to witness the great results."

Banbridge Town Chairman Andrew Cully added, "We are pleased and priviledged to welcome such a prestigious and well organised tournament to Crystal Park - hopefully the public will put their shoulder behind it."