BENARTY Events Group kicked off their gala week activities on Friday, and first up was the local football derby with St. Kenneth’s v Benarty in the Copie Cup sponsored by Stephen McMaihin.

A huge crowd saw Benarty take the spoils on penalties after the match had finished 1-1.

The events group would like to thank both schools for their participation, Community PC Barry Smith for refereeing and to all those who turned up to support such a great event.

The Civic Week events, which will feature Gala Day on Sunday and included the Pipe Band competition, was all made possible by an amazing £10,000 Awards for All grant from the National Lottery.

Said Events group chairman Eddie Easson: "We are very grateful to Awards for All for their backing.

"The Pipe Band Contest and the Copie Cup were amazing ways to start the Civic Week programme and we are all looking forward to gala day on Sunday.

"It should be be a brilliant way to end this 2019 Civic Week and the Meedies will be buzzing this weekend."