A rural Co. Galway club celebrated at the weekend as a massive development plan reached fruition with the unveiling of new facilities by Kilkerrin-Clonberne.

A jubilant Michael O'Muircheartaigh officially opens the new GAA pitch in Clonberne on Saturday. Photo: Reg Gordon

The official opening of new pitches, stand and dressing rooms represents a huge step forward for the progressive north Galway club which can now boast facilities on a par with anything in the country.

Furthermore, the €1 million development will not see the club impacted by massive debt in the years ahead as they have already raised most of the money required.

The acquisition of eight acres of land a few years ago beside their solitary pitch allowed them take this step forward as they sold off eight roadside sites for housing.

That, along with €300,000 in grants, and a rigorous fundraising drive, has paid for nearly all of the €1 million development which includes floodlighting for the main pitch.

Legendary GAA commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh paid tribute to all involved ? especially 30 dedicated volunteers who have been the driving force behind the scheme ? as he officially opened the new facilities on Saturday evening.

The club, which fields three adult and seven underage teams, also has a vibrant ladies section with seven teams, and now has a pitch with a perfect surface in addition to a training pitch.

The 300-seater stand also includes a number of facilities including four new dressing rooms.

Club chairman Ger Finnegan said the new facilities would be a huge addition to the club in the years ahead. "Everyone involved should be proud of what they have achieved," he said.

Gerry Walsh, who headed up the development committee, said that the need for new facilities was identified many years ago and said the project had been a great community effort.

The opening of the development marked Liam Sammon's first match in charge of the Galway senior footballers as they took on Monaghan on Saturday evening, while the Galway ladies team played Leitrim.

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