By Dan Walsh at McCauley Park, Bellefield, Enniscorthy
The official opening of McCauley Park at Belefield Enniscorthy took place yesterday (Sunday) with a ribbon cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a stone memorial following investment of over €1.5 million, with some more developments to follow, bringing the sporting facilities into the 21st century and making the complex the envy of many others in bigger and greater funded jurisdictions.
It was a celebration of achievement, local acceptance and co-operation with others, including the GAA and Wexford County Council.
Project Manager Pat Quigley set the wheels in motion, explaining the project (hear his words on audio addition here on WexfordLocal.com). Ger McVeigh, Chair of Rapparees Starlights, spoke eloquently, the support, appreciation, and goodwill from so many were addressed. His was a message of appreciation and he pointed out that the club has almost 550 members and 32 teams represented the club, including under-age.
Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District, in his speech, reflected the contribution of the club and the significance of the development and recorded the town’s appreciation for making it a better place for sporting interests.
Micheál Martin, Chair of Wexford GAA County Broad paid tribute to Rapparees Starlights GAA Club, while Derek Kent, Chair of the Leinster Council GAA recalled that the club had received €30,000 in funding in 2023, again in 2024, and the better news, Mr. Kent promised another €30,000 for next year (2025). A round of applause followed!
John Bishop and his wife, Marilyn, were guests from Southampton in the UK and they have signed a lease of 25 years with the club. Mr Bishop, an architect by profession, said he was delighted to be back in Enniscorthy, supported the development, and wished the entire project the best of prosperity.
Stephen Murphy provided lively entertainment, Ballindaggin Pipe Band led a parade through the park, under-age skills were paused and there was a large attendance including representatives of other sporting organisations in the town. Bishop Ger Nash gave the official blessing. Brian Kehoe was master of ceremonies.
The new facility was jointly opened by John Bishop (accompanied by his wife Marilyn), Sam McCauley (and his wife, Lesley), Derek Kent, Chair of the Leinster GAA Council and Ger McVeigh, Chair of Rapparees Starlights GAA Club.
The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen, Cllrs Cathal Byrne and Pat Kehoe; from Wexford County Council were former Chief Executive Tom Enright, Shay Howell, Senior Executive Engineer and Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, all of whom were involved directly with the project, contractor Garry Flood and his team and all worked on the project.
The overall project will cost over €1.5 million, with collaboration from the local community and the Rapparees Starlight’s Finance Committee raising €400,000; Wexford County Council providing funds of €400,000 and a greatly appreciated donation from local businessman Sam McCauley of €600,000.
The first phase included the development of two new pitches, fencing and associated drainage works, main infrastructure for a sensory garden as well as a community walking track complete with lighting. Major ESB works were required with the removal of six poles and cables brought underground to a newly installed ESB pillar station. Funding for this phase was provided by philanthropic donation from local businessman and long-time club member, Sam McCauley, and renamed, McCauley Park., Bellefield
The second phase of the project is a public-community partnership including the development of a new statement entrance for the club, together with 25 new public carparking spaces, new footpath with bollards, fencing, public lighting and signage. A new pedestrian crossing on the Bellefield Road will be delivered as part of phase two, as well as a new pocket garden with seating and a playground for young children. Funding for this second phase will be from the Rapparees Starlight’s Club in association with Wexford County Council.
Music, refreshments, handshakes and conversation ended a great sporting day in the McCauley Bellefield Park excellent welcoming facilities.
WexfordLocal.com 