TThe bar at Ardoyne Kickhams GAA has has ceased trading with two workers losing their jobs as the club goes into a period of 'restructuring' due to a lack of cash.
Ardoyne chairman Stephen McVicker said the club was going through restructuring and the bar closure came as part of that. He stressed however that the sporting side of the club is 'rock solid' and all the committee’s energies will now be focused on the teams.
“We are having a look at things and how we can refocus back on the sporting side of things. Everything has come up in conversation so obviously rumours start flying about, but the bar has now closed and probably won't reopen.”
The club will hold a fundraising firewalk event on Saturday evening to raise money for the running of the teams, which he said were in good shape.
“Ardoyne is a 100 year old club and we are planning to be here for the next 100 years, playing a role in the community as we have always done. The restructuring will mean we can concentrate our focus on the juvenile teams. The bar was closed to save cash.”
Ardoyne Kickhams have been based in their Flax Street premises since the 1980s. The building also hosts Ardoyne Boxing Club twho were awarded £200,000 from Stormont and £50,000 from Belfast City Council to upgrade their first floor gym in March. It is unclear whether this will be affected by the closure of the bar.
Saturday’s ‘Ultimate Challenge’ will see volunteers walk across hot coals and broken glass before smashing a piece of wood with their bare hands.
The event has been advertised as coming at a “sad time for us, as funds are low and this is having a huge impact on our games”.
Everyone is urged to go along to show their support and are asked to gather at Holy Cross Boys School pitch at 8pm on Saturday (November 8).
