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Night of light in Ballywaltrim

New floodlights in Ballywaltrim Recreational Park were turned on for the first time last Friday, 11th September 2009. Hundreds of people attended the ‘night of light’ in the 22-acre park in Bray, which saw the inaugural games under lights on both the soccer pitch and GAA pitch.

Local clubs had organised a festival atmosphere with games of soccer, gaelic football and hurling taking place throughout the evening while accompanied by gourmet bar b que which was availed of by the many spectators who joined in the occasion, including representatives of the Wicklow Football League and Wicklow GAA County Board.

Speaking at the formal part of the evening, David Grant, Chairman of the Ballywaltrim Park Management Committee said, “It is interesting and rewarding to note the progress that has taken place in Ballywaltrim over the past ten years. In fact ten years ago last month, August 1999, the then new changing rooms were handed over to the management committee and this time last year, the new swimming pool and astro turf pitches were opened.

And today marks another milestone in the community with the new floodlights, which will provide the local clubs the opportunity to provide more activities and cater for greater numbers of young people in the area.

These new facilities will not just serve the existing clubs that play their games in the park here every week but will they also be available to many other organisations that provide sporting and recreational activities for young people.”

Speaking on behalf of the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund, CEO of County Wicklow VEC, Ms Fiona Hartely said, “Investment in sporting facilities was very important and the funding provided through the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund for the new floodlights will be a worthwhile investment, allowing local clubs and organisations to provide a range of activities during the winter evenings when young people need activity most.

Through the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund many projects locally have benefited from their investment. Funding for a new pitch at Kilian’s Community School, a significant contribution towards Ballywaltrim Community Centre and the development of other youth centres in the town and yet another set of floodlights in Fassaroe will be officially turned on in October.”

Local Minister, Dick Roche TD was on hand to oversee the initial night time sporting activity in the park and was full of praise for the local clubs and teams that had arranged the exciting evening. “I know that what is happening here tonight is only the tip of the ice berg in terms of the full extent of activities that are provided here in the Ballywaltrim Park. The sports stars of tomorrow are tonight participating in and enjoying this memorable occasion. Through the dedicated work of their clubs, their managers and parents along with the provision of good and modern facilities that we are witnessing tonight young people will have the opportunity now to excel at what interests them most.”

When the lights went down at the end of the night and the bar b que was emptied, there was a great sense of achievement and community spirit in the cold autumn air as the players and supporters packed up and headed home for a good nights sleep.