Sporting greats brought to life in Bangor museum

OLYMPIC gold medallist Dame Mary Peters joined Formula One hero Eddie Irvine in Bangor this week to launch the Ulster Sports Museum.

Northern Ireland´s sporting greats are being brought to life at Eddie Irvine Sports Centre for the next 10 weeks.

The Balloo Road centre is hoping to secure the free exhibition permanently. It would be a major coup for the borough, North Down Mayor Tony Hill said at Tuesday´s launch.

Unveiling the exhibition, Mary Peters said she hoped that the great achievers featured will inspire young athletes.

"It’s great to be amongst many old friends," she quipped on Tuesday. I say old because there are also some young people here who are the sports men and women of the future.

"Kids were asked who I was and one of them said yes she won a gold medal in the olden days.

"But we must remember those achievers in sport in the olden days. I’d like to thank the Eddie Irvine Sports Centre for hosting us for the next few weeks."

The exhibition opened in Belfast City Hall in December with more then 5,000 visitors.

"We know there are bits missing," she added. "But we have decided to challenge you all to tell us what we have missed and we are very conscious here in Bangor that we have missed yachting. I am delighted that we have some local stars here today."

The Olympian urged people to come forward with their sporting memories and stories.

"Maybe you were there when George Best played his first game or maybe you remember when I won my gold medal," she said.

"Our aim is to whet your appetite and ultimately find a permanent home to make sure that all our memorabilia is not lost."