By Rory McKee
FRESH appeals for long-term fixes have been made after flooding once again engulfed the pitch at one of the borough’s proudest football clubs.
Killyleagh Youth Football Club has called for the assistance of ‘all responsible authorities’ in helping to protect the facility at their Showgrounds home, which was hit by flood waters for the second time in recent years.
The Division 1B club described the damage as a ‘pattern that is causing severe and repeated damage to the wellbeing of the entire club community’.
In a statement posted on social media, Killyleagh YC said: “It is now absolutely essential that local politicians, council leaders and the relevant river and environmental agencies step in with urgent and meaningful action.
“Temporary fixes and assurances are no longer enough,” they added. “We need a long-term, effective solution to prevent this ongoing devastation.”
The statement went on: “Our club plays a critical role for local families, young people, and volunteers. Watching our grounds repeatedly destroyed is unacceptable and the situation is becoming unsustainable without proper support.
“We will continue to update everyone as we assess the damage and determine next steps. Thank you to those who continue to stand with us – your support means everything.”
The Showgrounds on the Comber Road were previously flooded in November 2023, but major community efforts allowed the eight-time NAFL Premier Division champions to resume hosting home matches by mid- December.
Although the damage on this occasion is less severe, further challenges now lie ahead for the club who were forced to postpone Saturday’s league fixture against Downshire Young Men and whose next home match is timetabled for December 13.
Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews echoed the concerns of the club as he stressed the need for a multi-agency approach to the problem.
“It has been an issue of concern for some time now and there has to be measures put in place to prevent this from happening again,” he said.
The SDLP man continued: “I think there needs to be a multi-agency approach to try and stop the recurrence of flooding. I am committed to working with the club to help them find a solution.”
