AN East End football club is to create a memorial garden for the community. 

St Roch’s FC hope to pay tribute to people past and present connected to the James McGrory Park team. 

The memorial garden was inspired by St Roch’s fan Michael Kennaway, who is set to cycle with a group of supporters from Fort William to Glasgow. 

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Mr Kennaway is hoping to coin in cash to mark 40 years since his mum passed away. 

Club president Stevie Mullen said: “On the far side of the building we are going to do a memorial garden. 

“One of our fans, Michael Kennaway, came to me and said it’s 40 years since his mum passed away. 

“Basically he asked me if he could make a donation to Roch Talk [the club’s mental health support group].

“I said that would be great but not the correct memorial for your mum. We wanted to do something more lasting. 

“We’ll make it nice and have seven benches where people can put up plaques to people.” 

The Candy Rock hope the space will be the perfect place for people in the local area to take time out and remember those dear to them. 

Mr Mullen added: “Hopefully it can be a place where folk can come along and enjoy it on a game day.

Glasgow Times: The memorial garden will be built in the club's James McGrory Park The memorial garden will be built in the club's James McGrory Park (Image: Newsquest)

“We hope to do nice wee benches and just make it a nice wee place just within a football environment.” 

Club secretary Andy Cameron said: “Sometimes at football clubs we don’t remember the people who have impacted the club off the park.

“When I am in a dressing room, I always talk to boys about who bought them their first pair of boots. 

“Take for example someone who scored 100 goals for a club. That boy might be remembered because he might get a plaque, but no one ever remembers his mum who went out and ran about and did stuff. 

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“There are people in the community who have had the impact on our team. If we can remember the people like that, then it entrenches what we are about as a club.

“It is not just the football team, but about everyone who makes that contributions.” 

In a message shared by the club, Mr Kennaway wrote: “I decided to take on this challenge to mark my mum’s 40 year anniversary.

“I discussed my plans with club president Stevie Millen and let him know I wanted to mark this significant event and he came up with the idea for a memorial garden.

“It is a great idea as grief affects us all and can often lead to poor mental health. 

“We are very fortunate to have a platform to express our thoughts and feelings, thanks to Roch Talk.” 

To find out more, visit @StRochsJuniors on Twitter.