Sports Minister's praise for United set-up

Sports Minister Nelson McCausland was the special guest at the Sky Blue Promotions-run first corporate dinner of the season – an event which featured a recession-busting 30 tables. The Minister hailed the arrangement in place between the football club and the local authority which helped realise funding of 800,000 for the newly-refurbished Warden Street stand, under the Stadium Safety Programme. "What we see here at Ballymena is an example of a partnership between business, Council, and club, as well as government. "When I was here earlier in the year, I spoke about how many of our grounds don't have the standard of provision we expect in this day and age. "This ground is up to standard, not just with the seating facilities, the 3G pitch which is under construction but also in terms of having corporate facilities such at this (Des Allen Suite). "We really want to help sport and football and we are determined to do all we can to do this. I want to do everything in my power to ensure that football gets the resources it needs and deserves." The Minister noted that in two recent rounds of funding from Sport NI, GAA venues were successful in attaining 6m of funding, compared with just 1 for football. "All credit to the GAA – they did a good job. We need to make sure in football there is an organisation and support to get these applications in and really succeed with them." And in a thinly-disguised dig at the crisis-hit IFA, Mr McCausland added: "Those in charge with responsibility for developing football have a responsibility to make sure they step up to the mark, that they are fit for purpose and doing what they should be doing." Also, at the function, two long-standing supporters of the club – Billy Bell and Alan O'Loan – were awarded life membership, in recognition of their behind-the-scenes work for the club. The event was sponsored by Kerr Tyres, while other organisations and individuals who took tables included: McBurney Transport; Alan Francey Coach Hire; Ballymena Spurs SC; Ballymena United Youth Academy; Billy Bell and friends; CEF; Clough Glasgow Rangers SC; Crane Communications; Diamond Bar, Ahoghill; Frankie Lynn Racing; GM Landscapes; James Henry Minibus Hire; KMC Properties and Mortgages; McIlrath Solicitors; McCaig Collim; Mercers; Northern Bank; Northern Switchgear; Patton Group; Principal Cooling; Paramount BUSC; Richardsons Property Dev; Robinson Cleaning and Support Services; RGM Finanical Services; Sapphire Mechanical; Seven Towers SC; Stardust Amusements; Telstar; Imperial Bar. stephen.alexander@jpress.co.uk