Times winners look forward to date with NI footballers in O’Neill’s first game

As the new Northern Ireland manager prepares to take charge of his country for the first time, two youngsters from his home town will have a closer view than most of the action.

James Mathewson, from Broughshane, and Coalan Kearney, from Carniny Road, are all set to walk out with the Northern Ireland team as McDonald’s Player Escorts when Northern Ireland host Norway and both youngsters are very much looking forward to meeting their heroes.

“I’m really excited about meeting Steve Davis and David Healy as I’m a big Rangers fan,” said James who is aged 10 and attends Broughshane Primary School.

As a Manchester United fan, eight-year old Caolan, from St Colmcille’s Primary, has one player in particular he’d like to meet.

“Johnny Evans is my favourite player and I hope I get to walk out with him,” he said.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came courtesy of McDonald’s Ballymena and the Ballymena Times who teamed up to give away two tailored prizes including the chance to walk out hand-in-hand with one of the NI players at the start of the game, a match ticket for each child and their parent or guardian, a full national team kit and a McDonald’s IFA goodie bag.

Speaking about the Player Escort opportunity Des Lamph, McDonald’s Ballymena franchisee, commented: “I’d like to congratulate Coalan and James on winning our competition and I hope they, and their families, enjoy this fantastic opportunity.

“McDonald’s Ballymena operates very much as part of the local community and I’m delighted that through our Community Partnership with the Irish FA, which has driven grassroots football locally since 2002, we are able to provide Player Escort opportunities.”

Goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings spearheads the Community Partnership through his position as McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football.

“Walking out at Windsor Park is a dream for many young fans and I’m sure our winners will thoroughly enjoy the experience.

McDonald’s provides Player Escorts for all Northern Ireland home Internationals and a new website will be introduced soon to allow applicants to request a place. In the interim anyone interested in McDonald’s Irish FA Community Partnership can find more details at www.irishfa.com/grassroots