Complex ‘win win’ for all in gaelic games

Complex ‘win win’ for all in gaelic games

13 November 2019

DOWN County Board secretary Sean Og McAteer believes that the planned investment in the exciting Ballykinlar project represents a “win win” for everyone.

He said that the proposed new centre will provide a boost for the county’s footballers, hurlers and camogie players, alongside the local construction industry, builders’ suppliers, Ballykinlar village, local communities and schools.

Describing the ambitious proposal as an “exciting project”, Mr McAteer said Ballykinlar’s historic link with previous Down GAA teams and the perfect ground conditions made it an ideal venue for the investment proposal which could be as much as £7m.

The county secretary said Ballykinlar was a venue which is easily accessible and that what is planned will benefit players at all levels, across all codes.

“Our plans will also benefit the local community which will have an ultra-modern facility on its doorstep and one that they will be able to us. The development is a major benefit for the entire district and there has been a lot of hard work to reach the stage we are now at with the formal planning application due to be lodged shortly,” he continued.

“A lot of surveys have already been carried out alongside other detailed work in preparation for the planning application being submitted. Down GAA has purchased two acres of land with 30 more being leased from the Ministry of Defence which has worked closely with us on this particular project and is very supportive.”

Mr McAteer revealed that planning for the new centre started in 1994 but it was felt that the time was not right to press ahead with it. From 2016 onwards, GAA officials have been working hard on the project with clubs across Down very supportive of the planned investment.

The country secretary continued: “This is a good news story.“We hope to start construction work in 2020 and we will be seeking a cocktail of funding and exploring all funding opportunities which may arise. There will be central funding from the GAA and we will have to generate our own funding and hope that people will see the many positives that this project offers and support it with funds.

“This is going to a facility for the people of Ballykinlar and the local schools as well. It will have a fitness suite that will be available to the community as well as the county team. We are talking about an ultra-modern facility that will have a covered multi-surface sports area which will have an artificial surface.”

Mr McAteer said this will also be available for community use as will the proposed floodlit walking trail, explaining that the new centre will have a small museum reflecting the village’s shared history, in particular, its connection with the nearby army camp, which was used to prepare soldiers for the Battle of the Somme. It was also used as an internment camp after the war.

The secretary said GAA officials had enjoyed “goodwill and guidance” from planners as they pieced together the new centre in conjunction with architects.

“This will be a major new training hub for men’s and ladies football, hurling and camogie and we hope that the investment can re-energise the Ballykinlar club as well,” continued the county secretary.

“This will be a facility that will be the envy of many and can act as a catalyst for additional investment in Ballykinlar which is home to one of the most historic clubs in Down and where the legendary Paddy Doherty played.”

Mr McAteer added “The development represents a significant investment and will create employment opportunities during building work and post-construction. The current pitch used by the Ballykinlar will be club will be moved slightly with a second floor added to the current clubhouse.

“The extension will house a new gymnasium which will be used both by county players and the local community and will have its own dedicated entrance.”