A CHARITY football match in memory of Gala Fairydean stalwart John Irving raised £500 for the Gala Fairydean Rovers Disability squad at the weekend.

The match, which took place at Netherdale on Saturday, was contested by two teams made up of members of the club's Walking, Disability and Ladies football teams as well as volunteers, coaches and committee members.

The match was organised by Fairydean Rovers committee member Paul Bertram and will become an annual event in order to raise money for charity.

Paul told us: "We’ve had a fantastic day and raised a lot of money that will help purchase new training kit for the club’s Disability Squad.

"I wanted to organise something that would honour the name of John Irving, a stalwart of Gala Fairydean who passed away last year. I am grateful to Shake Shack for sponsoring the game.”

John Irving was a fervent supporter of Gala Fairydean and served on the committee for more than 30 years, also serving as secretary.

When John retired from the committee, he took on a whole raft of duties, including preparing and marking the pitch, washing the kit, and cleaning the dressing rooms and clubrooms.

When he passed away late last year, the club held a minute's silence prior to a Lowland league match at Netherdale against Edusports Academy.

On Saturday, the team captained by Paul Bertram won an exciting game by nine goals to six.

A memorial shield and medals were presented to the players by club secretary Graeme McIver.