Richhill AFC Chairman hits back over funding row

Following months of speculation regarding potential funding for the newly developed Richardson Park 3G pitch in Richhill, Richhill AFC has issued a statement through the Club’s Facebook page, providing clarification and further context around its request for financial support.

The Club’s long-serving Chairman, Neil Megaw, has also spoken exclusively to the Ulster Gazette about the issue.

Neil said, “The story is that there is no actual story. Over the past two months there has been constant media speculation surrounding potential funding for this project from the Department of Education, and we believe the time is now right to provide some clarity and context”.

“Richhill AFC made a genuine and entirely appropriate request to the Department of Education for support, based on the significant educational and community benefits the facility would provide. While we have not received the suggested £30,000 contribution, we fully respect and accept that decision.

“Indeed, we spoke to a wide range of public and private funders during the development of the project. While all recognised that we had a very worthwhile project, some said yes to our funding requests and others said no. That is simply how the funding process works.”

Neil added, “We are extremely proud of what has been achieved at Richardson Park, particularly given that this project has been driven by the hard work, determination and commitment of local volunteers”.

“Our focus remains firmly on the future and on ensuring that this fantastic facility continues to benefit local schools, young people, sports clubs and the wider community for many years to come.”

The controversy centres on Northern Ireland's Education Minister, Paul Givan, and a proposed £30,000 allocation of public money to Richhill AFC.

Mr Givan was accused of trying to "invent a mechanism" to fund the club.

Richard Pengelly, chief executive of the Education Authority, stated that the department approached the EA, which advised that no capital or LMS (Local Management of Schools) funding mechanism was legally available for the club, and that the club did not qualify for curriculum-led capital investment.

In the social media statement, Mr Megaw stated, “Richhill AFC is aware of recent Belfast Telegraph reports concerning a request made by the Club for financial support towards its new 3G pitch.

“The Club therefore wishes to provide additional context regarding that request and, in particular, to reaffirm the educational and community benefits which underpin the project.

“For absolute clarity, Richhill AFC has not received the suggested £30,000 contribution referred to in these reports. The Club fully understands and accepts the outcome and remains grateful to the Department of Education for considering its request. However, this will not alter the Club’s commitment to local schools or its determination to ensure that the facility delivers lasting educational and community benefits.

“As part of our wider fundraising efforts, Richhill AFC submitted a request to the Department of Education on 14 November 2025 seeking financial support towards the project. Discussions regarding a potential level of support subsequently formed part of a visit by the Education Minister to Richhill AFC and nearby Hardy Memorial Primary School on 4 March 2026, during which a potential contribution of £30,000 was raised.

“Regardless of the outcome of that request, the Club remained fully committed to supporting local schools and firmly believes in the important educational role the facility can play. For these reasons, the Club has committed to making the new facility available to local schools from Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 4.00pm. This provides schools with access to a modern, safe and all-weather sporting facility for curriculum PE, extra-curricular activities, inter-school fixtures, Sports Days and Shared Education programmes.”

He said, “This is particularly important for nearby Hardy Memorial Primary School, which has approximately 450 pupils. Due to the school’s landlocked site and limited availability of suitable external space, opportunities to deliver certain PE, sporting and outdoor activities can be challenging. The new 3G facility now provides access to an all-weather environment capable of supporting curriculum PE, sporting activities and wider educational opportunities. Other local primary schools also have the opportunity to benefit, meaning the facility has the potential to support sporting and educational opportunities for up to 700 local primary school pupils.

“These educational benefits are not merely aspirational. The facility is already being used by local schools and community organisations and has quickly established itself as an important sporting and community hub for the area.

“Furthermore, during the school holidays, Richhill AFC also makes the facility available for informal community use by local children when it is not required for scheduled activities. This reflects the Club’s commitment to ensuring that the new “pitch operates as a genuine community asset rather than a facility solely for the benefit of Richhill AFC.

“The Club is therefore proud that a project led entirely by local volunteers is already creating new opportunities for children, schools, sports clubs and community organisations across Richhill and the surrounding area.

“Richhill AFC fully respects that decisions regarding the allocation of public funds are matters for the relevant public authorities. The Club’s responsibility was simply to identify a legitimate opportunity to support a community project, present the educational and community case for investment and provide any information requested. We acted entirely appropriately in doing so.

“To conclude, our focus remains entirely positive and forward-looking. The facility is already delivering significant benefits for schools, young people and the wider community, and we will continue working with schools, community organisations and local partners to ensure those benefits continue to grow throughout its lifespan.”