30/09/2005

Sinn Fein criticise SDLP over NI soccer star proposals

Sinn Fein South Down assembly member Caitríona Ruane has criticised the SDLP's Margaret Ritchie for her opposition to plans to name a Killyleagh playing field after Northern Ireland goal scoring hero David Healy.

Ms Ritchie allegedly expressed opposition to the recent Council proposal during an interview on Friday's edition of the Radio Ulster Steven Nolan Show.

Ms Ruane said that while the "vast majority" of northern nationalists would support the Republic of Ireland, David Healy's match winner against England earlier in the month "deserves recognition".

"I can see no reason why any political party would oppose this proposal and Cllr Ritchie's view that the renaming of a play park after David Healy would in someway impact on the 'neutrality' of a council owned facility makes little or no sense," Ms Ruane said.

"If she is really concerned about neutral venues then her time would be better spent ensuring the dozens of Loyalist flags and emblems are removed from the Council owned Langley Road Playing Fields in Ballynahinch."

David Healy, who is originally from Killyleagh, scored the only goal in this month's World Cup qualifier between Northern Ireland and England.

It was the first time in nearly 80 years that Northern Ireland had beaten England in Belfast.

(MB/SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 November 2024
Consumer Council Advice On Online Shopping Rights
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, consumers in Northern Ireland are gearing up for a flurry of online shopping. While many retailers have already started offering deals, concerns about potential delivery issues such as delays, lost parcels, and damaged goods are on the rise.
03 December 2013
David Healy Retires
Northern Ireland international footballer David Healy has announced his retirement. Healy, who is Northern Ireland's all-time leading goal-scorer with 36 goals in 95 international appearances, has been without a club since leaving Bury at the end of last season.
15 October 2015
David Healy Appointed New Linfield Manager
Former Northern Ireland striker David Healy has been appointed the manager of Linfield football club. Healy, 36, has signed a two and a half year contract. Healy will succeed Warren Feeney who resigned to take on the assistant manager's post at Newport County.
02 July 2013
David Healy Assault Charge To Proceed
A charge of assault against Northern Ireland footballer David Healy will proceed, the BBC has reported. BBC Northern Ireland said prosecutors were going ahead with the case, following the recommendation from a judge that it be reviewed. David Healy is originally from Killyleagh in County Down.
01 November 2006
David Healy to head Best memorial campaign
Northern Ireland soccer hero David Healy has boosted efforts for a permanent memorial to be built in Belfast city centre to commemorate Northern Ireland footballing legend George Best. Healy will head the new memorial trust, in a bid to gain the public's support in erecting a statue of Best in the city, almost one-year after his death.