GAA President here for official visit
YEARS of fund- raising, graft and planning on the part of those involved with Sligo GAA will be recognised on Sunday week ( May 14th) as GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl officially opens the county’s € 3 million Centre of Excellence in Scarden.
The facility which sits on a 22acre site on the Strandhill Road features three full- size sand based pitches, two of which are floodlit along with a 15,000 square foot building comprising of four dressing rooms and a number of physio rooms and meeting rooms. Also featured are storage areas and a fully equipped gymnasium.
The sod was originally turned on the project in April 2011 by then GAA President Christy Cooney, six years after the initial plan to build the centre was mooted as part of the ambitious strategic plan launched by the county board entitled ‘ Moving Forward With Sligo’.
The plan to construct the centre had been delayed due to a “prudent financial approach” as land prices at that time meant the development was uneconomical.
Sligo GAA cited the lands to be suitable at the time because of its quality, ease of access and proximity to Sligo town. It also met the county’s strategic plan 20052010 whereby one of the criteria dictated that the complex must be built within reach of the highest density of population within the county. “It’s nice to get everything over the line and see the project standing today”, Sligo County Board Chairperson Joe Taafe told the Sligo Champion. “It takes time to get these things done but we are just delighted with how it’s turned out and we are looking forward to getting the best out of it.
“It will be a great day I’m sure and a fitting way of saying thank you to those who have helped us along the way.”
Mr Ó Fearghaíl, who was appointed GAA President in 2014 will meet with members of the county board for a special reception at the Town Hall at midday on Sunday week before arriving at Scarden for 3.30pm. While local teams will take part in coaching sessions on the pitches from 2.30pm.
Also in attendance will be Connacht Council President Mick Rock who along with Mr Taafe will address those in attendance. There will also be live music and plenty to keep the whole family entertained.