GALLERY: Loughnavalley GAA Club open new facilities
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Breda Rigney and Maryanne Keenan from Loughnavalley at the official opening of the walking track.Image 2 of 12
John Clarke, Niamh Clarke McMahon and Tom Rigney.Image 3 of 12
Monica Masterson and Anne Clarke (Loughnavalley) at the walking track opening.Image 4 of 12
Anne Elliffe, Billy Elliffe and Ancel Boyce, club chairman, all proud of Loughnavalley GAA’s new facilities.Image 5 of 12
Kevin Keenan at the sand boule court.Image 6 of 12
Isla Leavy, Lorraine Leavy, Shari O’Brien, Stephanie Newman and Conor Newman.Image 7 of 12
Seán Rigney and Róisín O’Brien at the opening.Image 8 of 12
Justin Gunning, James Rogers and Willie Keegan.Image 9 of 12
Mary and Shauna Keenan at the registration desk.Image 10 of 12
Christy Keenan, Mel McCormack, Cllr Liam McDaniel, cathaoirleach Westmeath Co Co, Ancel Boyce, Deputy Robert Troy, Ollie Mulvey and Carol Keenan opening the track.Image 11 of 12
Mary Keenan, Sean Clarke, Patrick Hasson (on behalf of Gene Mulligan from Fox’s Bar), Fr David O’Hanlon and Tom Allen opening the sand boules court.Image 12 of 12
Elaine and Breege Kiernan from Dysart.Loughnavalley GAA Club has officially opened a new walking track at their grounds which is a fine addition for members and a boost to the local community.
Having received sports capital funding and great support from Westmeath County Council, North Midlands Credit Union and Westmeath Sports Partnership, the club worked hard on the development and that has paid off. As part of the project, a new sand boules course was included and it adds another facility for members.
Christy Keenan, vice-chairman of the club, paid tribute to Ancel Boyce, the new chairman and the other officers who made the developments possible.
“There are fine additions to the grounds that will encourage more people to get involved and increase social membership,” he said. “A lot of work has been going on at the club and it’s a credit to those involved.”
Carol Keenan, the Healthy Club Officer, played a key role in bringing the project to fruition. Secretary Amy Boyce was prominent also.
Mr Keenan thanked Deputy Robert Troy who was in attendance for the big occasion, at which Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam McDaniel was special guest, cutting the ribbon to officially open the walking track. The official blessing was performed by Fr David O’Hanlon, PP. The contractors were also in attendance. The club is now looking forward to seeing an increase in membership.
Elsewhere, the Loughnavalley club is enjoying a new sport, walking Gaelic football, each Sunday from 12 noon to 1pm. It is geared towards past players and anyone interested in keeping active while enjoying most of the skills of Gaelic football.
“We have people from 45 to 75 years of age taking part each Sunday and there’s a great social side to the afternoon as there are refreshments served after the game. It’s another part of the healthy club initiative,” explained Mr Keenan.
The club received great support from Croke Park for the initiative and Carol Keenan played a key role. It’s another important community project that brings former players together in a fun environment.