Belclare will celebrate two decades of toil at opening of landmark sports facility

By JACQUELINE HOGGE the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism have also provided financial support.' The level of involvement by the community in the project is astounding from the under-age footballers picking stones to enable grass to be sown in the fields, to local tradespeople volunteering their skills and services to complete the dressing room/clubhouse building. 'None of this could have been achieved without the involvement and support of Corofin GAA club who have been involved from day one, and their consistency in terms of fundraising and indeed fitting out the gym here at the clubhouse has been crucial in terms of the facilities everyone in the community can now enjoy,' added Sean. The facility is housed on lands previously used by the Community Council for its annual community sports day during the 1980s. Owned by the late John and Nora Caulfield, the lands became community ground in 1990, in what was the start of a major development project. Nora's sister Mary Ward is travelling home from England with her husband John to share in the celebrations on Sunday. 'It's going to be a very special day for everyone, from the children who enjoy their wonderful playground to the older generations who have supported each and every fundraising venture we've held to bring us to this day,' said Sean. 'Indeed we will fondly remember those no longer with us who played their part in helping us reach our goal, most especially the late Fr Oliver Hughes, who when he won our jackpot of €15,000 in 2008 handed the money back to invest in the project.' Cllr Canney paid tribute to Frank Morris, GAA stalwart and one of the driving forces of the development, who continues to maintain the facility on an ongoing basis. 'Frank Morris has dedicated all of his spare time to the care and maintenance of the surfaces and facilities, the standard of which is a credit to him,' he said. 'We have also been fortunate to have a Rural Social Scheme to assist in the upkeep of this facility, whose presence in the area on a daily basis is a reassurance to those walking or using the playground. 'Sunday is about acknowledging and thanking everyone involved in the realisation of this dream, as it is a legacy that will be handed on to future generations who will enjoy it for many years to come. 'So we hope everyone will come out to share in the celebrations and witness what can be achieved through dedication and hard work, when a community comes together.' [/private]