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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Group pictured at the launch of the Peace Field Project at the Brandywell.
PICTURED ABOVE: Left to right: Raymond Burns (Chairman, Limestone United), Ernie Brennan (CEO, Children’s Football Alliance), Richie McRory (Lifehack), Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr (Mayor), Brian Caskey (Manager, Limestone United) and Steve Setterfield (Leisure Area Manager Health & Community Directorate). (Photo - nwpresspics)
The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium has become the first ground in the League of Ireland to receive an international designation celebrating peace and reconciliation through football.
The Peace Field initiative will see the Lone Moor Road stadium twinned with Flanders Peace Field in Mesen, Belgium - the site of the First World War Christmas Truces of 1914 when German and Allied soldiers played games of football during a break in fighting.
The Brandywell has received the designation in recognition of The Life Hack Project in the Rath Mor Centre which aims to support young people to build and develop life skills that foster good relations, build confidence and relations and make them more employable.
A plaque to commemorate the twinning, stating that all games on the pitch will be played in the spirit of the 1914 Christmas truces, was presented to representatives from The Life Hack Project, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Derry City Football Club before the weekend’s League of Ireland Premier Division home game against Cork City.
READ NEXT: IN PICTURES: Derry fans at Brandywell for clash with Drogheda
The plaque will be displayed in the stadium and a duplicate will be erected at the Flanders Peace Pitch and Belgium alongside 78 other Peace Fields from six different continents across the world.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, attended the presentation and praised The Life Hac
“I am delighted and proud that the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium has received this international designation which pairs us with one of the most famous sports fields in world history,” she said.
“It is just recognition for the key work The Life Hack Project do to improve the quality of life and employment prospects of our young people.
“It also serves as a timely reminder of the reconciliatory impact sport can have by bringing people together through a shared passion for play.”
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This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie.
