Lámh Dhearg and Newtownbutler officially open new playing facilities

Ulster GAA President Ciaran McLaughlin was in attendance as two Ulster clubs marked the completion of their club development projects with opening ceremonies recently.

Lámh Dhearg, Co Antrim officially opened their new pitch with special guests which included the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Christina Black, in attendance.

The club gave special thanks to all the members and especially the ‘Pitch Patrons’, who contributed to the cost of the development. In the midst of the Covid pandemic, this was a remarkable acknowledgement of the support the club has across the Hannahstown area.

The club marked the historic occasion with an action-packed weekend of events culminating in a colourful parade from Hannahstown Church to the new pitch for the official opening, where it was blessed by Fr Kevin McGuckian.

Club Chairperson Peter Kane commented; “This was a truly memorable, proud and auspicious weekend for the club, and I want to thank everyone who made this dream a reality. This is a day we are all so proud to be from Lámh Dhearg and Hannahstown.”

Newtownbutler First Fermanagh’s GFC also officially unveiled their new Prunty Pitch, with club member Fr. Gary Donegan blessing the pitch before the opening ceremony was performed by Club Presidents Phillip McDermott, Eugene Hueston and Seamus McLaughlin.

The weekend began on Friday with the opening followed by the SFL game between Newtownbutler First Fermanagh’s and Belcoo. The celebrations concluded with a family funday which included Ladies games, youth games and fun for all the family.

Special guests included Fermanagh/Omagh District Council Chair Barry McElduff, Fermanagh GAA Chair Brian Armitage and County Secretary Tom Boyle.

Club Chairperson Hugo Fitzpatrick stated; “It’s a proud moment to be chairman of Fermanagh’s oldest club, and this is a day we have looked forward to for many years. As we look out at the new pitch, we thank all those past and present members that worked tirelessly to help us achieve this goal.

“We thank our members and especially our ‘Friends of the Firsts’ who committed to regular donations to the club. All of this has enabled us to finish this phase debt free.”

Speaking of both Lámh Dhearg and Newtownbutler First Fermanagh’s club development projects, Uachtarán CLG Uladh Ciaran McLaughlin commented;

“Ulster GAA compliment both clubs on the completion of these pitches. The hours both clubs’ volunteers contributed to these projects are immeasurable. These opening events are a tremendous endorsement of that work.”

Ciaran continued; “In the midst of the Covid pandemic both clubs were faced with challenges to ensure that the necessary funds were raised. The members of both clubs didn’t hide, instead in both clubs the ‘Pitch Patrons’ and ‘Friends of the Firsts’ schemes were heavily subscribed to. That is a wonderful testament of the support both clubs have.

“I congratulate both clubs on the wonderful new pitches both have provided, which ensures the future generations will have the best surfaces possible to practice and play on.”

Ulster GAA can provide information to all clubs on both the GAA Development Fund Loan Scheme and the Ulster GAA Development Grant Scheme, to assist with their own development projects.

For more information, please contact Paul Sanders – paul.sanders.ulster@gaa.ie