Ballyclare-based Hagan Homes has donated £20,000 to the rugby club for a new lift in its clubhouse.
Ballyclare Rugby Club’s bar and function rooms on its first floor were inaccessible to those with restricted mobility.
Hagan Homes Founder and Chairman, James Hagan, has always had a strong association with the club. James played rugby at the club for many years and also helped coach mini rugby there. His happy memories of the club prompted the businessman to support the facility during today’s challenging climate.
Speaking about the decision to donate £20,000, Mr Hagan said as a homebuilder he understands the value of community.
“Sports clubs and other social resources are the heart of local communities. They provide the social outlet we as humans need to live a full life and they’re also a hub for creating strong friendships and teaching youths about working together, team spirit and valuable life lessons.
“We know at first hand the value Ballyclare Rugby Football Club brings to our community. A club like Ballyclare RFC, is a place where children, parents, grandparents and wider family members can come together and share in an experience and to do that the facility needs to be as accessible as possible to ensure all generations can be part of the club’s story,” he said.
Mr Hagan said it’s not easy keeping clubs going nowadays, and they need all the help they can get.
“We are delighted to be able support the club by helping fund the installation of a lift and we will be closely following the progress of the team when games resume,” he added.
Chairman of Ballyclare Rugby Football Club Aran Blackbourne, said the club is delighted with the news.
“It simply wouldn’t have happened without his generosity and the finished job is superb and really enhances our facilities. Ballyclare RFC prides itself on being an inclusive club, so being able to offer access to all means that our newly refurbished upstairs function room can now be accessed by the whole community and we look forward to seeing the lift in regular use soon,” he said.
The donation is not the first of Hagan Home’s charitable endeavours this year. The company, which has built over 4,000 homes across Northern Ireland has donated in excess of £500,000 to its charity partners over the last three years alone.
“We do all we can to put the heart into local communities, whether that’s reviving once-vibrant neighbourhoods through new developments or supporting local charities that make a lasting difference to the lives of families around Northern Ireland, giving back is part of our makeup.” said Mr Hagan.