24/06/2025
Charity Match Report
On Saturday 21st June, the Helensburgh community came together for a charity football match at Helensburgh Cricket & Rugby Club, raising over £4,000 in support of the Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank, Simba (supporting families who have lost their baby), and Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
Organised by Declan Lally, with support from Dionne, Adam, Ali, Stewart, Luke, Andy, and Tom, the event saw a competitive and good-natured game between teams representing Rangers and Celtic, each led by dedicated coaching teams and captains.
The Rangers side was managed by Fiona Sharkey, Stewart Sharkey and Declan Lally, while the Celtic team was steered by Ryan Phipps, James Petro and Ryan Jones.
Club captains were Karl Johansson for Celtic and Richie Henry for Rangers.
Celtic led 1–0 at the break thanks to a header from Jordan Wyllie. Rangers responded instantly after switching to a 4-4-2, with Kyle Sharkey levelling the game. A potential Rangers penalty was ruled as a free kick on the edge of the box, and Lewis Campbell soon put Celtic back in front.
Rangers pushed hard—hitting the post several times—but were denied time and time again by Celtic goalkeeper Sean Diamond, who delivered a man of the match performance.
As Rangers committed more bodies forward, Celtic added two late goals through Thomas Welsh and Robert Caldwell, making it 4–1.
All four of Celtic’s goals came from players of local side Rhu Amateurs, who made a strong impact on the day.
Off the pitch, the raffle was a major highlight. Huge thanks to Lizanne, Emma, Chris and Nicola for running it, and to everyone who supported it on the day. Special thanks to those who kindly donated prizes, including Willie Currie, Kieran Welsh, Mi Tierra, Loch Lomond Brewery, Helensburgh Toyota, The Big Taquero, Helen McShane, Julie Welsh, Padrone, Jack Aitken YETI, and Helensburgh Cycles—your generosity made a huge difference.
Big thanks as well to Louise, who kept the kids entertained with brilliant face painting throughout the day.
Special thanks also to Karl Johansson, who stepped in as referee at short notice, and to Dumbarton Accies for helping the match go ahead by lending us goals for the day.
Thanks to Mackenzie Neilson for capturing fantastic photos throughout the day, and to all 33 generous sponsors—this event wouldn’t have been possible without your support.
A brilliant day of football, fundraising, and community spirit.
The GoFundMe will close on Monday 30th June.
https://gofund.me/104781af
Roll on next year!
Declan Lally
Sponsored by -
Lucky 13 Barbershop, Scottia Barbers,
Bon App & Eat, Bridge Street Dental, Riverhill,
Mi Tierra Grill & Cocktail Bar, The Royal Bar,
MCL Motor Services, C. Livingston Roofing, Helensburgh Toyota, The Big Taquero, The Ashton Bar, Humbles Cafe, KSM Electrics,
thirteen hair + beauty, Helen McShane Hair, Andy Allen Painting, Lido Fish & Chips,
Black Sails Tattoo Studio, The Station Bar,
The Ginger Breadman, The Creggans Pub, G&S Coyle Fishmonger, Callaghan Butchers, Julie Rebecca Hair, The Clyde Bar, Sugar Boat,
MM Roofing Solution Ltd, Padrone Pizza,
The Mane Man Barbershop, Ross at Hair Design, Cardross Bowling Club, Ryan Melville.
