When GAA President Jarlath Burns stood to speak at All Saints GAC on Friday night he fulfilled a promise to visit the club to mark its 50th anniversary. Overseas GAA business had prevented him from attending the club’s Gala Celebration Ball in November so members were delighted when he accepted this most recent invitation to Ballymena.
And the reason for his visit – the official opening of the club’s new capital development project. Built at a cost of £650k the development comprises a Gym, Community Hub, Ball Wall and a floodlit Juvenile Training area.
On arrival the President greeted the club’s juvenile players who were enjoying their new 3G surface for the first time. Following a group photograph and the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the new facility Jarlath took his seat in the company of club members and invited guests from Antrim GAA/ LGFA & Camogie Association, Mid & East Antrim Council, Kane Construction, Podium 4 Sport, local political representatives, St. Louis Grammar & St. Patrick’s College, club sponsors and a range of local sporting groups.
First to welcome the assembled guests was the club’s Scor na Nog ballad group who entertained all in attendance with their wonderful renditions of Siuil a run & Rambling Irishman.
Special guest Deputy Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Council Mr. Tyler Hoey in his address shared his appreciation of the work of the club and informed all in attendance of the council’s commitment to local sport through its Amateur & Grassroots Sporting Organisations Improvement Fund. Mid & East Antrim Council has provided £50k towards the cost of the All Saints project through this funding stream.
Fr. Michael McGinity (PP) then shared his words of thanks for the work the club does in the parish with particular reference to its young people before blessing the new facility. Club member and current Antrim Scor Sinsir recitation winner Deirdre O’Loan was joined by her daughter Ursula on fiddle as she recited a specially commissioned poem she created for the club’s recent anniversary
The Black & The White tells a story of a club that has gone from strength to strength during the last five decades.
Club Chairperson, Jim Brady, used his opportunity at the microphone to thank all who had contributed to the successful delivery of the project. Those receiving the thanks of the club included those enrolled in the Cub All Saints Covenant Scheme, club sponsors and funding partners including the local council, GAA National Finance committee and Community Finance Ireland.
Particular appreciation was reserved for the club’s financial sub-committee and the strategic development group who took the project from an idea on paper to completion over the past 18 months.
As the official proceedings drew to a close there was just time to present the President with a 50th Anniversary commemorative club top, sure to make an appearance in Silverbridge Co. Armagh if not Croke Park in the future. The celebrations continued in the club house as the Hugomont Suite provided the venue for refreshment agus craic for all attending.
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