First Minister officially opens new Pomeroy GAA facility

THE First Minister, Michelle O’Neill has officially opened the new clubrooms for Pomeroy Plunketts GAA in what was her first community visit since taking up the role earlier this month.

Several hundred people attended the event in the town this afternoon.

Aras Na Pluinceide is a long-awaited new base for the club, and replaces the former clubrooms which were constructed half a century ago.

Speaking at the event the Sinn Fein leader in the north said the ambition associated with the project highlighted everything that is good about the GAA.

“It is right at the heart of our community and doing the very best for the people that live among the community. This also shows what can be achieved when you work with others and in partnership,” she said.

“That’s very much at the centre of this. People demanded more and better and got together to make it happen. This new facility is testimony to everyone who got together and contributed to the fundraising and the physical work on the ground and everything that has made this a success.

“This is one of the finest examples of a club facility in any county in Ireland. For me, this is also about building for the future. For every single young person here today, this is your club and when you walk in the front door you should feel 10 feet tall because this is yours and the people of this community wanted to invest in you and your future.”

“This is also an example of a strong community with good local representatives and good support from the local businesses.”

Pomeroy Plunkett’s Chairman, Eddie Quinn, said the new facility was now the ‘home of the Plunketts.’

“It is our home for sport and culture and as our new home it will serve for generations to come,” he said.

“Now we have our Aras here in Plunkett Park in the townland of Cavanakeeran. This would not have been possible without the help of our volunteers, coaches, players and our committee. This is a first class facility for all our people.”

Tyrone’s All-Ireland winning captain, Peter Canavan and representatives from Mid-Ulster Council were also in attendance at the event which is part of the Connecting Pomeroy scheme.