Presentation for Ballinahown sportspark grand prize draw

St Colmcille's Sportspark, Ballinahown recently held a Grand Prize Draw to raise funds for the building of a state-of-the-art AstroTurf facility measuring 70 metres by 40 metres in the village. The project which is costing €520,000 will serve the local communities of Ballinahown, Castledaly, Clonfanlough and Doon. The project is due to be completed on March 4.

The winner of first prize in the Ballinahown Sportspark Draw, Patrick Daly, Ballyhearth, Ballinahown was recently presented with a voucher valued at €6,000 by Derek Heavin, Heavin’s Topline & Euronics, Athlone who sponsored first prize in the grand prize draw.

A small committee consisting of some ten volunteers from across the community worked together over the past three years to bring the project to fruition.

Secretary of St Colmcille’s Sportspark, Ballinahown, Denis Rohan said: “We reached out to local communities and friends who had moved to other parts of Ireland and the world to support the project and they responded magnificently. Local clubs and businesses were equally great in the support they provided. We expect this new state of the art facility will help to keep our communities vibrant and healthy”.

He added: “Covid-19 has shown us the importance of having easily accessible facilities locally that assist with our physical and mental wellbeing. The new multi-games facility will enhance the amenities already available in Ballinahown, Castledaly and Doon and see us pass on to the next generation a community that is strong active and self-sustaining."

Fundraising is ongoing and sponsorship is still being sought. Those who contribute can have their name recorded on the Patrons Wall for as little as €150.