GAA President opens Scarden

THE sun was beaming down in Scarden as large crowds turned out to welcome GAA President Aogán Ó’ Fearghaíl who was officially opening the Centre of Excellence on Sunday. Joe Taaffe, Chairperson of Sligo GAA, described it as a huge day for Sligo GAA. He said: “Today is a watershed day for Coiste Chontae Shligigh, with the official opening of this excellent facility here in Scarden. This property was purchased in 2010 and great credit must go to the County Board led by John Murphy for having the foresight to invest in the site.” He thanked Sligo County Council for their support during the planning and construction stages and also the various contractors and sub- contractors involved in the major project. He praised all those involved in the funding aspect, including the grants received from Croke Park and Sports Capital Grants. “To meet the shortfall to complete the project Club Sligo was revamped, my thanks to John Clifford for acting as chairman and really driving the fundraising for the past four years. Our Treasurer Peter Greene oversees all financial matters. I thank him for his enormous contribution in securing all our sponsors and also driving Club Sligo forward.” The work of Development Officer John McPartland, Eamonn McMunn, Gerry O’Connor and Padraig Clancy was also commended. He thanked all who support Club Sligo and hopes Scarden nurtures the talents of Sligo’s youths in the future.

Sean Sweeney with GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl and his wife Frances Ó’ Fearghaíl at the Official Opening of the Sligo GAA Centre of Excellence at Scarden last Sunday. Carl Brennan. Pics:

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl with members of the Sligo GAA Executive Committee, Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran and members of the Centre of Excellence Finance Committee.

Jean and Mary Flynn pictured with GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl at the opening of the Centre of Excellence in Scarden.

Chairperson of Sligo GAA, Joe Taaffe making a presentation to GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl and Bernardine McGauran, Assistant Secretary, Sligo GAA, making a presentation to Frances Ó Fearghaíl.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Hubert Keaney and GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaill with U- 14 Development players at the Official Opening of the Sligo GAA Centre of Excellence at Scarden.

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl with Tom, Geraldine and Tommy Kilkcoyne.

Some of the large crowd at the official opening of Scarden.