The Ballymac GSC continued its great history of European travel this weekend when a sizeable group of club members flew to Holland to attend a NEC Nijmegen Match. This was a follow up to a long standing invitation following a visit to Belfast, the Oval and Ballymac GSC clubrooms by a group of NEC Nijmegen fanatics back in February 2017 for the Danske Premiership “Big Two” game against Linfield.
As it was the week before Remembrance Sunday, on matchday the Ballymac stopped off at the Jonkerbos WW2 Cemetary in Nijmegen. The club paid their respects by conducting a service of remembrance in memory of the many fallen soldiers laid to rest at Jonkerbos.
The service consisted of readings from Alistair Craig, the laying of a Ballymac club wreath by Colin Lamont, followed by a moment’s silence and finally the traditional hymn ‘Abide with me’ was played on the flute by Lee Greer.
Ballymac Chairman, Thomas Sewell and club members Thomas Holland, Alistair Craig and Joe Burns lay a special wreath on behalf of the Ballymac at Jonkerbos World War Two Cemetary.
The Club then met up with the NEC Nijmegen fanatics and paraded through the streets of Nijmegen until they reached the home of NEC Nijmegen, the Goffertstadion. They were greeted by the supporters’ coordinator, Hilde Boerstal who provided a great and very warm welcome to their visitors from East Belfast. The Ballymac is deeply thankful to Hilde for his help and the warmth of his welcome.
Shortly after their arrival, the home club’s Head of Security, Dominic Aichorn, presented Ballymac Chairman Thomas Sewell with a signed NEC Nijmegen shirt from the club. The NEC Nijmegen fanatics also presented the Ballymac GSC with a scarf for every member who made the trip.
The Match itself saw NEC Nijmegen concede first, early in the second half. However after a spirited comeback, NEC Nijmegen ran out 3 – 1 winners over Cambuur to go top of the Eerste Divisie and increased their great run of form to 6 wins out of 6.
The Ballymac GSC would like to thank everyone at NEC Nijmegen for making them feel so welcome with a special thanks to the NEC Nijmegen fanatics who made sure that everyone was well looked after throughout the visit.
Great friendships have been made with NEC Nijmegen and the Ballymac GSC look forward to seeing their Dutch friends again before. Who knows, maybe Glentoran and NEC Nijmegen can organise a friendly between each other in the near future. Although that’s one where a change kit will definitely be needed!
Finally the club would like to thank Ballymac members Joe Burns and Thomas Holland for organising the trip and also to Gary Speers for his great efforts in sorting all the transport to Nijmegen and back.
