Tyrone footballer Peter Canavan and Antrim hurler Neil McManus were the special guests at the opening of St. Louis Grammar School, Ballymena’s new 3G pitch on Saturday. A large crowd attended the opening of the school’s state of the art floodlit facility and following speeches in the school hall a series of games were played on the 3G pitch which included a camogie match between the school and Bridini Oga, Glenravel and an U14 football match against Erin’s Own, Cargin.

Head Boy, Darragh Patterson was one of a number of guests who addressed the audience with a personal reflection on the importance of sport and well-being and how the opening of the 3G facilities will bring increased opportunities for participation for the students.

Former St. Louis student and now Head of Policy & Innovation at Sport Northern Ireland, John Hart was another guest and speaker at the event which include former and present teaching staff and former pupils.

Former principal of the school Sean Rafferty, after whom the pitch is named, and present school principal Jacqui O’Neill performed the tape cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the 3G pitch while Parish Priest of Ballymena, Fr. Michael McGinnity performed the blessing ceremony.

The new floodlit facility will prove to be an invaluable facility to the Ballymena School and the local community and can only enhance the training of school teams and those from outside the school community who will undoubtedly wish to avail of this wonderful facility.