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Honour for groundsman	Published Date: 30/10/2009

A MUSSELBURGH groundsman has been recognised by a local football team for his dedication and hard work achieved during his 27 years in the job.

John Buckley was presented with the John Murray Shield by Musselburgh Windsor Football Club - an annual award considered the highest honour from the organisation.

Musselburgh Windsor aim to recognise hard work, dedication, good service or a special achievement by an individual.

Mr Buckley, who lives on Pinkie Road, has been the groundsman at Pinkie Primary School for nearly 30 years and is solely responsible for the preparation and care of both the school and the numerous grass sports pitches in the scenic grounds surrounding it.

"I couldn't believe it when they (Musselburgh Windsor) said I had won the award and it is a great honour to have this presented to me," the 53-year-old said.

"I was absolutely gobsmacked and feel very privileged to have been chosen. I really enjoy my job and it has been wonderful seeing all the kids growing up and seeing their kids following in their footsteps.

"It keeps me young, it really does, and I have never begrudged it."

Born in Musselburgh, John lived in Windsor Park and attended Loretto RC Primary School before moving to St David's RC High School in Dalkeith. After working in London in the building trade, he moved back to Musselburgh and began working for East Lothian Council.

Karen Lee, Musselburgh Windsor Football Club president, presented John with the shield at an awards ceremony held last month attended by more than 30 well-wishers.

"I was delighted that this year the award was going to John as he is something to everyone within Musselburgh Windsor, and because of all his hard work and dedication the boys and girls have great playing surfaces to play on," she said.

"John himself outlined that he had been in the role for the past 27 years and enjoyed meeting and watching all the boys and girls who came along to play football

"For Musselburgh Windsor, next year's award will be a tough one to follow."

Musselburgh Windsor FC is based at Pinkie' playing fields and has been providing football for local youngsters since 1953.

The John Murray shield is dedicated to Mr Murray who is an ex-chairman of the club and paid a personal tribute to Mr Buckley.

He said: "This club owes John Buckley a huge debt of gratitude for his good work.

"We are a club that like to play football and the high standard of surface provided by John goes a long way to helping us achieve that.

"We are a big club, that makes big demands of Pinkie and I am happy to say John Buckley never lets us down. We are a big family and John is truly one of that family."

Helen Bruce, East Lothian Council's amenity manager, said: "The council is delighted to hear that John has been awarded this trophy in recognition of his work at Pinkie.

"He has been groundsman there since 1981 and all who know him know that he not only takes a great pride in keeping the playing fields to the highest standards, he also takes a great deal of pleasure from the enjoyment people derive from using the facility.

"He is always willing to go the extra mile and the award is very well deserved."

The Windsor panel had a difficult task in selecting from the various nominations submitted, but in the end John Buckley was chosen as the outright winner.

With thanks to East Lothian Courier for this article