By Dan Walsh at Ross Road, Enniscorthy
The sporting heritage found in Enniscorthy was enriched and celebrated today with the official opening of the new all-weather Astro pitch at Ross Road, Enniscorthy. Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, James Browne TD performed the opening address.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Aidan Browne said; “It is a privilege to be here today to mark a new chapter in the development of local sports in Enniscorthy. Today, we celebrate the opening of the new Enniscorthy astro pitch; a facility that will make a huge difference in our town and beyond.”
Cllr Browne continued; “As a town, Enniscorthy has some of the best sporting facilities in the country; we have the athletics hub, the greyhound stadium and the rugby club just beside us, two top class GAA clubs, five soccer clubs, two boxing clubs, basketball, tennis, athletics and a cricket club. Sport is massive in Enniscorthy and this facility here today is only going to enhance this further.”
The project was funded by a Sports Capital Grant of €300,000 received from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media and from Wexford County Council.
Denis Hennessy of the Wexford Alliance and Chairman of the Football League explained; “Our alliance is a new one in the country. It’s the schoolboy’s league, the women’s league, Wexford FC and the Wexford Football League come together with Wexford County Council in the running of this excellent facility and we look forward to more of these being done by Wexford County Council across the county in the coming years.”
Peter Doyle of the Wexford Football Alliance and Chairman of the Women’s League, who works with the Leinster Football Association and, technically is an employee of the FAI also addressed the attendance.
“This is a very proud project for everyone involved in Wexford football,” said Mr Doyle, who added; “This is the first of a kind and the envy of a lot. Great credit to everybody involved. It is the envy of everywhere else.”
District Manager Claire Lawless, who acted as master of ceremonies, said; “This is an exciting development for Enniscorthy and the facility will be an enormous benefit to the entire community of Enniscorthy and the surrounding areas. “Wexford County Council remains committed to retaining the public realm and providing opportunities for health and well-being,” she said.
The attendance included Deputy Johnny Mythen, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy and John O’Rourke, Carolyn Godkin, Neil Dempsey and Neville Shaw from Enniscorthy District Council, former County Executive Tom Enright and former Enniscorthy District Manager Ger Mackey and Tony Doyle from the Wexford Football Alliance.
The sporting occasion was demonstrated on the new pitch with mixed teams, boys and girls from 5th and 6th class at the town’s primary schools at St. Aidan’s and St. Senan’s showing off their talent. Cllr John O’Rourke was referee. Both teams arrived and departed the new pitch in traditional style – by special bus!
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