Ballykinlar army site in line to be new GAA centre of excellence

Ballykinlar army site in line to be new GAA centre of excellence

9 August 2017

AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled to develop a major new centre of excellence for the GAA on land at the former Ballykinlar army base.

The proposed multi-million pound facility will include five floodlit pitches, changing facilities, a gymnasium, handball courts, an auditorium and a new administrative base which will become the main hub for Down GAA in the county. 

Access to the proposed development on land adjacent to Ballykinlar GAC’s Commons Road base will be via the club’s existing ground. Last night, club officials were due to meet with senior representatives from the Down County Board to discuss the proposal which has been described as “major game changer” for the GAA in Down.

While there are currently no detailed plans or costings available for the ultra-modern facility news of the proposed development has generated a wave of excitement among clubs across the county since it was made public last week.

Senior GAA officials have now been given the green light to begin advanced negotiations with the Ministry of Defence to secure a significant area of land at the sprawling complex to pave the way for the new centre which will be used by clubs across all Gaelic game codes in Down.

The proposed development at the Ballykinlar base, part of which is still used for military and emergency services training, is being described as a “massive boost” for gaelic games in the area and a key part of a new vision for the sport in Down.

It is understood the land earmarked for the new centre is at the eastern-most end of the former army base and was little used by the military.

Early discussions have already taken place between officials from the County Board and the MoD, with the GAA confirming that “all parties are working towards bringing this exciting plan to fruition.” As its officials prepare for negotiations to secure the land and the various agreements they require, the proposed development is also being viewed as a significant boost for the local economy. 

GAA officials say if successful, the Ballykinlar project will form “an important part of a new vision for the county,” with the centre catering for the training and administrative needs of Down teams across all Gaelic games codes, in addition to being a significant resource for the Ballykinlar club and the local communities.

New county chairman, Sean Rooney, said the proposed centre will be “a massive boost” for Gaelic games in the Mourne county. He described the reaction from clubs to acquiring land at the former army base as “extremely positive” and is confident the process can move forward at a steady pace.

“It is vitally important for Down GAA,” he said about the proposed new centre.

“Our players need to know that they have a base where all the pitches, all the equipment, all the facilities will be there to help them develop. The reaction has been very positive; it’s been excellent.”

Ballykinlar GAC chairman, Sean McCashin, who was part of a club delegation which met with the Down County Board last night, explained the land which has been earmarked for the new development was previously owned by local people before it was acquired by the MoD.

He said while it is still “early days” as far as the development proposal is concerned, the plan to create a major training and administrative base in Ballykinlar has created significant interest.

“I see the merits of this exciting proposal and would be enthusiastic about it, but Ballykinlar GAC has to say whether or not it is in favour,” said the club chairman.

“Hopefully, my own club can benefit from this proposal which has the potential to provide a significant boost for Ballykinlar. The land which has been earmarked for the new development formerly belonged to the people of the village.”

Mr McCashin said he sees the “major potential” the proposed new sports centre offers clubs across the county and hopes they will all benefit form having an ultra-modern training facility. He said if developed, the new facility will be for gaelic footballers, hurlers, camogie players and lady footballers from across Down.

He added: “The proposed new centre also has the potential to help my own club which has been struggling of late and provide a major boost for the village of Ballykinlar.”