One of the most poignant and moving events along the Western Front of World War 1 will be recalled on Friday 16th December when a special charity football match, organised by the Royal British Legion and Ancre Somme Association, will be staged at Mourneview Park. The match is between a Northern Ireland Veterans XI and a team representing the 2nd Royal Irish Regiment and will re-enact the historic occasion during the Christmas Day truce of 1914 when British and German troops staged an impromptu football match on no man’s land.

Commenting on the forthcoming game Glenavon Chairman Adrian Teer said ‘Our club is honoured to have been asked to stage this game. The events of that Christmas Day all those years ago is a powerful reminder that even in the most appalling of circumstances football can bring people together. For a few brief hours on that Christmas afternoon what united the soldiers was more important than what divided them. The impact of World War 1 was felt throughout the Lurgan community regardless of class, religion or nationality. Glenavon would therefore hope that as many people as possible, whatever their background, will be able to attend the game. I therefore commend the organisers in extending an invitation to all primary schools in the Lurgan area.’

Admission charges have been fixed as £5 Adult and £2 Concession with proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal. The event begins at 7:00 pm.