Alex Baird Chairman of Fermanagh District Council who had the honour of cutting the first sod on the site of the Irvinestown G3 Gaelic pitch which is along side the Bawnacre Centre. Also in the photograph are,Eamon Galloghy and Barry Boyle both SWARD, George Beacom Manager of the Bawnacre Centre and Sean Clarke, Vice Chairman of SWARD Action Group
A STATE-OF-THE-ART, £789,973 all-weather sports facility became a reality last week when the chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Alex Baird, helped turn the first sod.
The facility features a full-sized Gaelic sports pitch, a full size soccer pitch and three playing areas suitable for team training sessions and 10-aside games.
It is being financed by £599,973 from SWARD, and it will measure 136 metres by 90 metres. The centre will be available for use by people of all ages and abilities.
The new facility is being developed at an adjacent existing pitch at St. Mary’s College, Irvinestown, which has been leased by the council from St Michael’s Educational Trust.
Mr Baird said the development of such facilities was vital to the long-term future of rural communities.
“It represents a strategic investment in County Fermanagh’s sporting infrastructure,” he said. “The need to develop infrastructure to help sustain our rural areas has never been greater, and the benefits for those involved in sport cannot be overstated.”
He acknowledged the support that the Council received from SWARD, and he thanked St. Michael’s Educational Trust for their ongoing cooperation in the development of the project.
Construction of the 3G pitch is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Once complete, the pitch will be managed by Fermanagh District Council through the Bawnacre Centre.
The vice-chairman of the SWARD Local Action Group, Councillor Sean Clarke, said SWARD’S £600,000 funding would provide a significant investment in the infrastructure of a very rural area.
“It will improve the quality of life of the surrounding communities by providing much needed access to recreational facilities”, he added.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere