Ballinahown Sports Park handed over but fundraising continues

While the Ballinahown Sports Park has been handed over to the committee, there is still some fundraising to do to pay off the final amount due on the development, according to committee member Denis Rohan.

The money required to purchase and develop the sports park was collected over fifteen years through draws, raffles and other events leading to the development of the current facility. However, donations are needed from the local community and businesses to pay off the remaining cost of the project.

The new astro turf and target wall were handed over to St Colmcille Sports Park Committee by the contractor Premier Pitches on Friday, May 6. Costing a total of €520,000 the project is located adjacent to the sports park and to the rear of the national school.

The playing fields, buildings and a fully lit walking track can be used by all sporting organisations and individuals within the community. There is a small fee levied for the use of the playing fields that is used to defray operating costs such as insurance, water charges.

According to the committee, considering that many parts of the country are experiencing rural decline with the closure of local shops and post offices, communities need investment in local projects to sustain their population, to keep their young people occupied and attract new families into their community.

It is hoped that the provision of a Multi Games Astroturf and Hurling Wall Facility for use by all clubs adjacent to Ballinahown will help them develop further and provide an ongoing supply of new players.

The Ballinahown Sports Park Committee said: "We can continue to make future generations proud by continuing to invest in the development of our community. Our legacy to the next generation should be to pass on a community that is strong, vibrant and self-sustaining."

The official opening of the new facility will take place during the summer.