Big Pat for newcastle

Big Pat for newcastle

6 August 2025

SOCCER legend Pat Jennings is coming to Newcastle this weekend.

The former Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Northern Ireland goalkeeper will be ping in at a free fun football festival in Donard Park on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

The event is being organised by McDonald’s for whom Jennings acts a football ambassador.

Known as ‘Big Pat’, Newry man Jennings needs no introductions to local fans, having being capped 119 time for Northern Ireland.

Newcastle Town chair Adrian Howard said: “I would like to thank our friends at McDonalds and the Irish Football Association for arranging this free event and of course to welcome Big Pat back to Donard Park.

“He has inspired so many boys and girls to play football and of course to play in goal.” 

The fun football festival is open to all and no pre-registration is required. 

 Boys and girls will be able to take part in introductory coaching sessions under the guidance of top football coaches on a pop-up pitch.

There are also skills activities including ‘Speed of Shot’, passing and goalkeeping challenges. 

Everyone attending will get a free activity book and there are loads of prizes and freebies plus the ever-popular face painting – all totally free.

Des Lamph, franchisee of the McDonald’s restaurant in Downpatrick, said McDonald’s was a proud long-standing supporter of grassroots football in Northern Ireland.

 He added: “It’s fantastic that McDonald’s is able to put on such high-quality events like these completely free of charge, and with three great backdrops for the festivals, the events are set to be a real success again this year. 

 “You can always feel the energy at the festivals and it’s great to see kids benefit from the physical and mental health advantages of playing football in a fun, inclusive and safe space.

 “I would encourage all parents and families to attend.”