Secretary of State visits Down GAA centre site

15 October 2025

SECRETARY of State Hilary Benn was in Ballykinlar last week to mark an important stage in the development of an exciting new multi-million pound GAA centre of excellence.

The lead design team for the exciting Down GAA project was appointed recently marking a major milestone in the proposal to deliver a Centre of Participation, Wellbeing and Shared Learning Hub which is being financed by the PEACEPLUS cross-border funding programme.

Mr Benn’s visit celebrated the ongoing development of the landmark project, billed as a transformative space designed to promote participation, health and community connection across Co Down and beyond.

In addition to being financed by the PEACEPLUS Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The ambitious development is being spearheaded by Down GAA as the lead partner, in collaboration with Co-operation Ireland and Co Down Rural Community Network, with the design being spearheaded by McAdam Design.

The various partners are working to transform the Ballykinlar site into a modern, inclusive hub that combines cutting-edge facilities with flexible spaces for learning, sport and cultural activities.

The new hub will feature high-quality sports pitches, training areas, educational spaces, walking trail and meeting rooms and amenities for heritage, cultural and recreational use.

In addition, it will boast dedicated sports training areas, health and wellbeing programmes, education courses and activities, providing a space for people of all ages and backgrounds in the community.

By marrying high-quality sports infrastructure with spaces for cultural and social use, the centre will

help foster stronger connections within Ballykinlar and the wider local area, promoting inclusion, participation, and lifelong learning.

This level of inclusivity was one of the key considerations, with Down GAA priding themselves on offering not only football, hurling and camogie, but also handball, Gaelic for Mothers and Others, Gaelic for Lads and Dads, wheelchair hurling and a Fun for All initiative.

By combining excellent sporting infrastructure with flexible indoor and outdoor facilities, the new Centre will provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage, learn and thrive, helping foster stronger

connections and building peace and prosperity within Ballykinlar and across the region.

Down GAA chairperson Maureen O’Higgins said the organisation was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to Ballykinlar and to share the vision behind this transformative project.

“The Ballykinlar Centre will be a place that brings people together, supports participation, and promotes wellbeing,” she said.

“It is a true example of collaboration and shared purpose, helping to strengthen connections and opportunities across our community.”

Mr Benn said the project was about a lot more than building sports facilities, explaining it was also about building bridges and positive change.

The UK Government is supporting this project by making available Ministry of Defence land, as well as contributing towards the €15.4m PEACEPLUS funding for the development,” he said.

“This project is a powerful example of the shared future we are all working to create for the people of Northern Ireland.”

Down GAA said the Secretary of State’s visit highlighted the Ballykinlar hub as a transformative project shaping the future of community life.

“It reflects Down GAA’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, health and opportunity, building on the county’s proud sporting heritage and its dedication to bringing people together through shared purpose and achievement,” it said.

The organisation said it looks forward to drawing upon its extensive sporting experience to deliver the best possible outcome, creating lasting facilities for Down GAA for all present and future users.

Down GAA says the new hub is set to become a landmark facility that promotes healthier lifestyles, expands opportunities for participation in sports and a wide range of activities, and provides a modern, inclusive space where the entire community can come together.

South Down MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the appointment of a lead design team for the new centre of excellence.

He said the multi-million Euro project will be transformative, not just for the GAA across Down, but for the local community in Ballykinlar.

“Sinn Féin has been supportive of this project for many years and have actively pushed for funding to be awarded to Down GAA,” said Mr Hazzard.

“The development will include four GAA pitches, a spectator stand, fitness suite, indoor games area and facilities for the community to benefit from.”

He said the Ballykinlar development is hugely positive for Gaels across South Down and will help to inspire a new generation of young athletes.

“I look forward to seeing this game-changing project delivered and the local GAA community enjoying these fantastic new facilities,” added Mr Hazzard.

McAdam Design’s John Herron said the company is delighted to be appointed to deliver the new hub.

“As a practice working across the Island of Ireland, with a strong interest in delivering projects within County Down, we are especially proud to support this landmark redevelopment,” he added.

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