Let’s tell the world about our Football History urges McClarty
Ulster Unionist Assembly member David McClarty says Coleraine should be seizing the opportunity to enhance the experience of visiting its new tribute to footballer Bertie Peacock.
Speaking after the unveiling of a statue of former Northern Ireland and Celtic star Peacock, the East Londonderry MLA said: “In the past when Bertie Peacock owned a bar in Coleraine some of his football jerseys were on display. It attracted football people from all over the world.
“I think it would add significantly to our potential to attract new visitors if we could set up a football visitors centre or themed restaurant featuring the story of the town’s great football tradition.
“We not only have Bertie Peacock from our town but Harry Gregg and Jim Platt too. The he late Sammy Walker a past president of the Irish Football Association, was a legislator at international level for many years.
“We also have the story of 25 years of the Milk Cup tournament to tell and the history of the local Irish League football club which produced so many top players such as Allan Hunter and Iam McFaul.
“I would welcome the opportunity to discus this idea with people of vision in the area.
“An enterprising local business person might consider opening a restaurant with a football theme in the Diamond area close to the new statue of Bertie Peacock where some of his jerseys and photographs could be permanently displayed. This would give visitors an added experience when they visit the nearby statue.
“We have a rich history of football in the area and in an era where new ideas are always being explored in an attempt to attract visitors, a football visitors centre would be something worth exploring.