First-class tribute match planned to postman

A match in memory of a former Royal Mail worker and keen footballer is to be played on Sunday.

Jason Ginnelly died last year, aged 42. He worked for the Royal Mail for 22 years and previously played for Holy Trinity FC, as well as managing the first team.

Last year a minute’s applause was held as a tribute to Jason before an annual five-a-side tournament organised by the club.

This year the memorial match has been organised before the tournament.

Squads from Holy Trinity and the Royal Mail will play for the Jason Ginnelly Memorial Trophy.

His mother, Mrs Sue Ginnelly, said the event would involve players from the two loves of his life.

"He would be very proud that Holy Trinity and the Royal Mail have come together to do this," she said.

"They have both been very supportive, which has been such a comfort to us."

The match, which starts at 12.30pm, will be played at Newark Flowserve’s Hawton Lane ground in Balderton.

Before the match there will be another special game, the Barry Lord Memorial Match, which kicks-off at 10.30am.

That will feature Flowserve’s Sunday team and RHP Reserves. It is played annually to remember the former treasurer of Newark Flowserve FC and Flowserve Sports And Social Club.

The fancy dress five-a-side tournament, which has attracted eight teams, will get under way at around 1.30pm.

The event will include a fun day with bouncy castles, face-painting, ice-creams and a barbecue. Entry is by donation.

Money raised will go to Holy Trinity FC and the Royal National Institute Of Blind People, which was also the chosen charity at Jason’s funeral, where £1,000 was donated.