There was a great turnout at Whitehall on Tuesday 3rd March 2009 as Belvedere and Elizabethtown College from Pennsylvania USA played in a memorial challenge match in honour of former Belvedere and Republic of Ireland senior coach Noel O'Reilly who sadly passed away on September 26th 2008. 

The match was both entertaining and exciting, and played in very sporting manner. Belvedere came out on top winning 4 - 0.  

Read match report >>>     View match photos >>>

Following the match presentations were made by both Belvedere and Elizabethtown College to mark this special event.

Chairman Fergus McCabe in welcoming everyone said:  "Belvedere were delighted when Elizabethtown College Head Soccer Coach Skip Roderick requested that the match be played in honour of his good friend Noel. He is sadly missed by us all, but his memory will live on. The philosophy and approach of Belvedere Football Club in encouraging and promoting good football and coaching education was greatly influenced by Noel."

On behalf of Belvedere Football Club, Noel's partner Rose McAllorum presented Skip Roderick with an inscribed crystal vase. She expressed her thanks to both Belvedere and Elizabethtown College for having the match played in Noel's honour. John Moore also presented a framed copy of Vincent Butler's appreciation of Noel " The Most Remarkable Character I Ever Met " which was published in the Irish Independent Newspaper in September 2008.

Skip Roderick then made a presentation to Belvedere stating: " On behalf of Elizabethtown College Men's Soccer Team I like to thank Belvedere F.C. for organizing this tribute to to my dear friend Noel O'Reilly. Noel spent many of his summers with me in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA promoting the game we were both so passionate about. We dedicate this game tonight to the cherished memory of Noel and in appreciation of the long standing friendship between our two countries. We miss you Noel."

Fergus thanked Home Farm F.C. for making their excellent facilities available to Belvedere to host this match.

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