Aileach FC open new grounds
30.07.10
THIS Sunday, August 1, will
be a red-letter day in the history of Aileach Football
Club as the club officially opens its new club grounds
at Inch Level, Burnfoot. Formed in 1993, the club has
grown over the years and today fields boys teams from U8
to adult and also girls teams from U14, U16 and adult.
“We would also like to thank the community and all the
sponsors who have supported us greatly over the years,”
club chairman Stephen O’Donnell said. “The club itself
has expanded and now has 15 competitive teams. Five
years ago the club decided that it needed more
facilities to cope with the number of teams and
thankfully the parents and community have pulled behind
us to get us to where we are.”
Five years in the planning, Aileach’s impressive new
facilities, which cover six and half acres and will be
known as ‘Lakeside’, comprises three playing pitches, a
clubhouse including changing rooms, function hall, gym
and a sauna, while work continues on completing a
magnificent 40mx20m indoor Astroturf pitch, the first of
its kind in Inishowen. The club hopes to have the indoor
Astroturf pitch completed in the autumn and it will be
available for hire. |
To mark the official
opening, the club will stage an Open Day with a mini
tournament featuring English Championship side Preston
North End, League of Ireland First Division leaders
Derry City, an Inishowen Select and Aileach, who will be
making their first outing under their highly regarded
new manager Bryan Bell.
There will also be loads happening for families – bouncy
castles, sumo suits, penalty kick contests, welly
throwing as well as many other attractions. “Even if the
weather isn't great on the day there will be a roof
covering all of the events to |
 |
ensure everyone is kept
dry,” O’Donnell remarked, while keeping his fingers
crossed for a fine afternoon.
After the action at the pitch concludes in the evening,
the dance starts at 10pm with music by Hugh McMonagle.
Tickets are €10 and cover both the open day and
admission to the dance. Under 16s are free. Tickets are
available from any committee member as well as from
local outlets: John Callaghan’s of Burt, Burnfoot
Service Station, The Village Shop, Burnfoot, Bradley’s
of Fahan and The Cyclists’ Rest.
Football Association of Ireland treasurer Eddie Murray
will carry out the official opening of the new pitch and
the open day kicks off at 12.30pm. Events include the
mini tournament between Aileach, Preston North End,
Derry City and an Inishowen select. There will also be a
match between Aileach Reserves and Inishowen Reserve
select, and Aileach Ladies v Aileach U16.
For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the
Inishowen Independent. |
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