St. Mary’s CBGS further enhanced the sporting facilities on their Glen Road site on Thursday afternoon after opening their state-of-the-art ball-wall. 

In coming GAA President Jarlath Burns was amongst many dignitaries that attended the event. 

School principal Siobhan Kelly and John Hart of Sport NI spoke of their delight at the new addition to St. Mary’s sporting facilities. 

Burns also addressed attendees, including local club representees- who will also benefit in the evenings. 

He spoke of his desire to see hurling promoted further within clubs around Ireland ahead of beginning his tenure as President. 

BBC Sport presenter Thomas Kane then hosted a Q&A with St. Mary’s Head of PE Conor Hynds, past-pupils Kevin Gamble (Chairman of South Antrim GAA and Director of Féile an Phobail) and Jim Magilton (MacRory Cup winner, former NI International and current manager of Cliftonville) and Burns.

St. Mary’s Leonard Cup panel were the first to avail of the new facility under the watchful eye of managers Mr Austin and Mr McVeigh. 

Also keeping an eye on the current crop of hurling talent were other past pupils from the school that are on the Antrim football and hurling panels. 

There is no doubt that the Ball Wall will prove a popular attraction for pupils and throughout the school day and teams and the clubs in Belfast will greatly benefit.