A Gilford-based football club have stepped up to the mark after residents expressed their dismay when it appeared a memory bench dedicated to those in the area who have passed away had been vandalised.
Referring to an apparently damaged memory bench in Woodlands Park placed by the family of 17-year-old Zak McIldoon – who tragically died in February 2024 – one resident said: “Can’t be sure but it seems to have been hit from a side with such a force that it has been rocked to a point where all support areas are cracked.
“If this was malicious, shame on you, if this was an accident, no excuse for not owning up, because the bench was put there for anyone to use.
“A place to go and reflect or watch the football on a Saturday, but most importantly, it was put there for all the families around our town that have lost a love one through one way or another.”
The bench is clearly marked in dedication to the memories of those now gone, with a metal plaque in its centre reading: “In memory of loved ones lost. Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.”
Another Gilford resident, speaking in fondness of the bench said: “I recently noticed the memorial bench had been re-varnished a nice, dark oak colour and it looked beautiful.
“Also often at night when taking my dog for a walk, its comforting to see the solar lights softly glowing from a distance beside the memorial tree.”
They say the bench also used to have three solar lights but now only has two.
“There are also two large real candles at the foot of the memorial tree and sometimes they be lit on a special occasion on the anniversary or birthday of a loved one sadly deceased.
“Also a heart-shaped white plaque between the candles, and I noticed a small, metal tree-shaped message hanging on the tree branch with a red ribbon saying, ‘When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure’.”
Keen to provide assistance, local football club Gilford Crusaders replied to the residents to say they would be delighted to help in a “physical or financial way, help with the repair or replacement of the bench.”
The Crusaders added: “As you say it was a welcome addition to the park both on match days or indeed just for anyone to relax and have a chat.
“The community needs more of these lovely benches, and it’s a shame this one got damaged. I really hope it gets fixed soon.”
Their offer has now been seconded by Gilford Amateur Boxing Club who said they would “get behind this 100%!”
