Crewe United recently returned from their weekend trip to Warrington, hosted by Warrington Town F.C. It was a great weekend for those who travelled with some great memories along the way.
Click here for Pictures of the weekend
It was Friday 31sy July, 1.30pm in Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport when the mighty Crewe touched down and made their way to Warrington in their quest to bring the Peace Cup home to Lisburn for the first time.
The party were greeted by many Warrington Town officials, most notably perhaps Gary Skentelbury who worked so hard to put together a great programme of events for the weekend. It was then off to the Ramada Encore in Warrington which was to be Crewe’s base for the weekend.
A quick stop off to freshen up and it was off to the Peace Centre in Warrington to meet Colin and Wendy Parry who lost their son in the 1993 Warrington bomb. It was a chance to reflect on the reason why Crewe’s bond with Warrington has become so strong over the years and also upon the great work that the Peace Centre has done out of something so tragic. There was a brief question and answer session with the Lisburn Mayor, Alderman Paul Porter and Head of Lisburn Leisure Services, Councillor David Archer showing great interest in the work of the Peace Centre.
Next it was off to the Town Hall for a Civic Reception hosted by Warrington Mayor, Councillor John Joyce. It was a great occasion in superb surroundings and after a few speeches a lovely meal was served to the party.
After a long day of travelling and events the Crewe lads briefly visited Cantilever Park, home of Warrington Town F.C. and venue for the Peace Cup match the following day. It was off to bed for a good nights rest before the game soon after.
An early breakfast was had by all and it was off to the ground to prepare for the game. A make shift Crewe side were certainly enjoying the build up and the hospitality that had been shown. A good crowd gathered to watch the match but Crewe could not manage to bring the Peace Cup home and the holy grail was again slipping through the fingers of the Glenavy men.
However, it did not detract from the occasion and there was a great spirit shown between the two clubs. After the game Conor McCarty decided that he wasn’t leaving just yet and decided to change his flight so he could have a quiet night in Warrington!
Next it was off to the huge Rugby League game between Warrington Wolves and St. Helens. What an atmosphere!! The boys were in good spirits and the Lisburn Mayor was live on Sky TV before the game. St. Helens ran out winners in what was an enthralling encounter. Young Paul Lavery also got an unexpected bonus as he left the ground, enjoying the generosity of the Warrington people. Conor McCarty also managed to catch the ball during the game after it was kicked into the crowd, it was like he had won the lottery!
As we left the ground Victor Beattie decided to have a run in with a car but that was not going to stop him pulling the glad rags, or was that golf rags, on and head into town for a few casual beers. The same cannot be said for party animal Chris Haggerty who was in no mood to be quiet. The men of Warrington did not know what hit them when Chris ‘the body’ Haggerty interrupted a dance off and started doing ‘the fish’. Legends are certainly made of this and the Warrington lads knew when they were beat!!
After retiring to bed for and hour or two, it was up for the flight home!! A few sore heads and dry mouths were experienced but it had been a fantastic weekend for all involved.
Crewe would like to thanks Warrington Town FC for their hospitality and the great effort put into a superb weekend. Thanks also to Lisburn City Council for travelling to Warrington with Crewe, it was a great advert for Lisburn and our club that you could be there. We look forward to next year when we will gain be hosting Warrington at Crewe Park, hopefully the Peace Cup will come home!!
