Gareth O’Neill Unity Shield

Razwan Masood - man of the match award from the councilors.

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The multi faith/community cohesion unity football match between young people from various mosques and churches against a team from Rochdale Council was played at Bowlee, Middleton on Sunday 15 April. The game had extra significance, being played in memory of Gareth O’Neill, who aged only 17, tradegically died in a road traffic accident in December 2006. 

Asif Rafiq Chairman of Sport For All, who’s organisation helped to organise the event, explained: "We held the first Unity Shield following the London Bombings to send a positive message of togetherness to the wider community in Rochdale. Such was the response from that match, we agreed to hold the Unity Shield every year. However, when Revd Roger mentioned Gareth’s fatal accident, everyone agreed to re-name the trophy the 'Gareth O’Neill Unity Shield'."

a minutes silence was held before the match and both teams wore black armbands in Gareth’s memory. Gareth’s parents and his younger brother were in the crowd.

Councillors Ashley Dearnley, Mohammed Sharif and Khalid Mahmood, the President of the Golden Mosque, Mr Sohail Ahmad, Manager of Deeplish Community Centre and Imtiaz Ahmad, Rochdale Diversity officer were also in the crowd.

Councillor Dearnley congratulated the players after the match and said: “this was a very enjoyable day and it was so nice to see these kind of activities are still going on to promote good race and community relations. These men live busy lives, yet continue to go out of their way to make a difference. It demonstrates why Rochdale is a unique town. I pay tribute to each and every one of those who played a role in this event.”

The match was won by Rochdale Council 5-1. Mr Razwan Masood from the Rochdale Council team was awarded the Man of the Match Award.

However, the occasion, in particular for the players, the family and friends of Gareth O'Neill, was far more important.