21 Aug 2024

L–R: Corrymeela Programme Officers, Gareth Gould & Andy Magennis with Ballycastle Credit Union Manager Stephen McClements and Marketing Manager Caitlin Kerr. 

Ballycastle Credit Union Manager Stephen McClements and Marketing Manager Caitlin Kerr called with neighbours Corrymeela to champion the charity’s golf event on Thursday 26th September and to find out a little more about the 60–year–old peace and reconciliation organisation.

The Charity Golf Scramble, hosted by Corrymeela’s Oscar winning Ambassador, James Martin MBE tee’s off at the local Ballycastle Club with all participants chipping in to support this inaugural fundraiser. A star–studded evening line up in conversation with James Martin, with live music from James Peake and guests follows the prize giving at the club and everyone is welcome.

Belfast based, Travel Ireland Coaches, a company who major in executive golf travel, are partnering Corrymeela’s Ambassador. The Martin magic has attracted top names from the world of sport and television with BBC Sports presenter Stephen Watson, UTV’s Barbara McCann, former World Boxing Champion Brian Magee, International Snooker player, Joe Swail, Football’s Keith Gillespie, Rugby’s Stephen Ferris and Linfield FC Manager David Healey among the many travelling to the Ballycastle course to lend their support.

With Tee Box opportunities and Four Ball Team bookings now available, Ballycastle Credit Union Manager Stephen McClements had no hesitation in supporting the neighbours and invitations to Northern Ireland’s oldest peace and reconciliation followed.

Stephen McClements explained “We received an invitation from Catherine O’Hara to call up to Corrymeela, get a tour of the centre and meet some of the members, volunteers, staff and guests that make it such a special place of welcome, of refuge and reconciliation.

I must confess, I knew very little about the centre or the work, but after the most informative tour by a lovely lady called Ruth Logan and staying for lunch both Caitlin and I went back to the office with a sense of a special place of community, education and conversation. The panoramic views from every part of the centre were spectacular. It has a fascinating history, hosting people from all walks of life. Mother Theresa to King Charles to local community groups and for almost 60 years, without making a big deal, helped shape a much more peaceful Northern Ireland.

Stephen added “I think the recent unrest on so many of our streets only highlights the importance of our peacemakers at Corrymeela. With over 7,000 visitors a year to the centre, welcoming delegations of people and groups from all over the world, I returned to my office at Ballycastle Credit Union with a new appreciation of Corrymeela’s role, its place as a destination for so many and its economic contribution to the town.”

Corrymeela’s Programme facilitators Gareth Gould and Andy Magennis also met with Ballycastle Credit Union visitors and were delighted to shine a light on the work of the centre.

Andy Magennis said “We were delighted to welcome our friends from the town and thank them for supporting our inaugural golf day. Ballycastle Credit Union like Corrymeela have a story to tell. We both exist to serve our communities, helping them to be resilient and respectful of each other but we need to get our story out there to sustain the work we do.”

For further information, volunteer opportunities, golf bookings or sponsorships or if you would like to host a small event… coffee morning, sponsored walk, run, cycle… to support Corrymeela please contact the Supporter Relationship Manager, Catherine O’Hara.

Email; catherineohara@corrymeela.org / Mob: 07515063303