GAA PRESIDENT SET TO UNVEIL CASEMENT’S NEW PITCH
1st May 2018
GAA PRESIDENT SET TO UNVEIL CASEMENT’S NEW PITCH
GAA President, John Horan will head north this weekend to officially open Portglenone’s new £1million sports facilities, marking a huge milestone in the history of both Roger Casement’s GAC and Geraldine’s Camogie Club.
Having waited more than 20 years for enhanced facilities, their dream has finally been realised after a long battle to secure land and funding for a second playing field in the County Antrim village. Club members are expected to gather in their hundreds to welcome President of the GAA, Mr Horan, on what will be his first visit to Portglenone to mark the much anticipated unveiling of the new ground.
Other special dignitaries from the GAA who will also be in attendance include Ulster GAA President, Michael Hasson; County Chairperson, Colin Donnelly; Camogie Chairperson Julia McMullan and a host of players past and present who are set to mark the special occasion.
A host of celebrations will take place across the bank-holiday weekend including underage football and camogie blitzes, important minor and senior fixtures and a special challenges match against namesake, Roger Casements Coventry on Saturday evening.
Local musicians, dancers and singers will take to the stage on Saturday afternoon and a Family Funday has been arranged for Sunday 6th May.
Joining in on the celebrations will be two hugely successful traditional Irish rock bands,The Muddlers Club on Friday 4th May andThe Whistlin' Donkeyswill bring proceedings to a close on Sunday 6th May.
A particular highlight of the weekend will be the inaugural Kevin Carey Memorial Over 35s tournament in which 12 local teams have already registered to compete for the cup, in memory of a great player and friend who sadly passed away from a rare form of cancer in May 2017. Those taking part in the tournament are asked to make a donation in Kevin’s honour to raise much needed funds for Brain Tumour Research.
Looking ahead to the momentous occasion, Club Chairperson, Noel Kelly said, “Our club has grown significantly in recent years and the need for better facilities was obvious. It is a dream come true to open Paírc Uí Cheallaigh and show off our fabulous new facility which is a great testament to everyone who has helped keep this club going over the years.
“Without the immense contribution of countless volunteers who have fundraised, washed jerseys, sold tickets or trained underage teams, none of this would have been possible. We are so proud of all of our club members and look forward to many more successful occasions on our new pitch.”
For a full list of activities planned or to find out how to buy tickets for the bands, visitwww.rogercasementsgac.com
