First Winners of Danny Morgan Memorial Cup Crowned at Charity Football Tournament

The first winners of the Danny Morgan Memorial Cup have been crowned following a successful charity football tournament held at Longstone Special School in Dundonald.

The inaugural tournament was organised by the EA Statutory Assessment and Review Service (SARS) to honour the memory of Danny Morgan, a much-loved colleague who passed away earlier this year. He was remembered by all who knew him for his dry wit and ever-ready quips, as well as his passion for football.

The winning team was presented with the memorial cup by EA Chief Executive Richard Pengelley, following an exciting penalty shoot-out competition. Teams comprised staff from the Statutory Assessment and Review Service alongside young people from Longstone Special School, reflecting the collaborative spirit that Danny embodied in his work and the strong partnership between the organisation and schools it serves.

Tracey Logan, Head of Statutory Assessment and Review Service said: "Danny was such an important part of our team and touched the lives of everyone who worked with him. This tournament celebrates everything he stood for - bringing people together, supporting our children with Special Educational Needs, community spirit, and of course his love of football. We're delighted to establish this memorial cup in his honour and look forward to making it an annual tradition."

The charity day, held at Longstone Special School, featured the penalty shoot-out competition and other fun activities, followed by refreshments for all participants. Danny's family attended the event and nominated Newington Day Centre, a cross-community charity, as the beneficiary of funds raised.

In a touching tribute to Danny's legacy, SARS also presented a memorial bench to Longstone Special School during the event, with Danny's family joining representatives from the service for the presentation. The gesture reflects the ongoing partnership between the EA and the school, which has recently seen the EA relinquish a section of its site to create additional accommodation for Longstone Special School, securing placement for children between Nursery and Primary 2 and helping to increase capacity for this vital educational provision.

Longstone Special School Principal Ioannis Skarmoutsos said: 

“We were privileged to welcome the family of Danny Morgan and his colleagues from the Education Authority for a special memorial charity fundraiser. Danny, a dedicated SEN Area Lead, supported the placement of many children at Longstone School and other local Sspecial Schools over the years and will be deeply missed. He would have loved the spirit of the day as staff, pupils, and families came together through sport. 

“It was heart-warming to also welcome Danny’s family who were able to experience how much he and his work has appreciated over the years. The commemorative bench and plaque in his memory will be placed in our new Early Years Centre, ensuring his contribution will be remembered for years to come.”

The tournament represents the beginning of what organisers hope will become an annual tradition, to bring together staff, children and young people with SEN to celebrate Danny's memory whilst supporting important community work.

Donations to support Newington Day Centre in Danny's memory can still be made via the Just Giving link below.