Posted online: Aug 18th, 2010

A County Derry man has organised a ladies football tournament in remembrance of his late wife who passed away earlier this year.
Gerry McCrystal from Desertmartin will hold the charity memorial event next weekend to remember his wife Ann, who passed away suddenly on January 11.
The 50-year-old mother-of-four’s death came as a massive shock to her family and the community of Desertmartin.
All funds raised from the event will go to Laurel House Cancer Unit at Antrim Area Hospital, which Ann regularly attended.
“Ann used to go to Laurel House in Antrim regularly,” said Gerry, a referee who has also been involved in ladies football for 14 years.
“They deal with blood disorders and Ann would have went there to get injections as she had platelet problems.
“They are brilliant down there although they have to rely on donations to keep the place running.
“At the time of Ann’s death we asked people to make a donation instead of giving flowers. We presented Laurel House with a cheque for £300 from this. They appreciate things like that.
“We hope to raise money from the tournament to allow Laurel House to get more equipment,” added the 54-year-old.
The event, which takes place on Saturday, August 28 and Sunday August 29 at Desertmartin pitch, will see five teams taking part- Ballerin, Dungiven, Steelstown, Desertmartin and Slaughtmanus.
“We decided to organise this event with the Derry Ladies County Board for all the teams that were beat in the first round of the junior championship,” said Gerry.
“This is the first time this type of event has been organised and we are hoping to make it an annual event.”
Derry secretary Gemma Watson said the memorial tournament would be a fitting tribute to Ann.
“Each club will play each other over the two days then the top two in the league will play off for the shield,” she explained.
“This is a good opportunity for the girls to play football. It really is a good idea that Gerry came up with and a really nice gesture.”