Ballinamallard Walking Football Marks 10th Anniversary

A Ballinamallard walking football group is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, with founder John Quinn reflecting on a decade of football, friendship and plenty of banter.

The group was started by John as a social activity for older people who had either played football in their younger days or simply had an interest in the sport.

Ten years on, the group continues to meet every Tuesday morning at 11am, with between 12 and 16 people regularly taking part.

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John said the idea came about when a group of former players realised there was an opportunity to make use of the football club’s facilities during the day.

“There was a few of us who were well past our playing days and the facilities were at the club and they aren’t used a lot during the day, so there was an opportunity to bring a few of the older guys together for a bit of exercise and then a bit of social stuff afterwards,” he said.

The football is followed by a cup of tea and conversation, while the group has also welcomed speakers to discuss topics including men’s mental health and general health.

The 10th anniversary will be marked with a special celebration hosted by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Kilmore in Cavan, with his wife preparing a barbecue for the group. The group has also benefited from funding from the South West Age Partnership and local health initiatives, allowing it to organise talks from pharmacists and exercise programmes led by personal trainers. — Pic credit: Ballinamallard walking football

John said the benefits extend beyond the physical exercise, with wives of members regularly commenting on the positive impact the group has had.

He added: “We go every Tuesday and we are very rarely beaten by the weather.”

Over the past decade, around 100 to 150 different people have taken part, including some women. At its busiest, the group has welcomed around 20 people on a Tuesday morning.

The 10th anniversary will be marked with a special celebration hosted by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Kilmore in Cavan, with his wife preparing a barbecue for the group.

The group has also benefited from funding from the South West Age Partnership and local health initiatives, allowing it to organise talks from pharmacists and exercise programmes led by personal trainers.

Source: https://fermanaghherald.com/2026/09/ballinamallard-walking-football-marks-10th-anniversary/

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