New astro pitch for Portlaoise College
Deputy Principals at Portlaoise College Mary Marum and Patrick Travers along with Leinster GAA representative Michael Reynolds, the Chief Executive of LOETB Joe Cunningham Joe Cunningham and College Principal Noel Day.
A NEW astro turf pitch was officially opened at Portlaoise College last week. It was a joint effort between the school and Clonad GAA Club, with funding from the Sports Capital Funding programme.
The ribbon-cutting was performed by the college's sporting figures, teachers Grainne Hyland and Roisin Phelan, both of whom play camogie for Laois, alongside Darren Maher and Matthew Whelan, who have represented Laois in hurling.
The pitch was designed by McCarthy O'Hora Architects, groundworks by Bergin Plant Ltd, and the pitch laid by McSweeney Sports. The new facility will serve the students of Portlaoise College during school hours and will be available to Clonad GAA after school.
The opening ceremony was attended by parents, members of the local community and chairperson of the college board of management Damien Bowe, cathaoirleach of Portlaoise Municipal District Council cllr Willie Aird, chief executive of the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) Joe Cunningham, parents' representatives Owen Reynolds and Serena Fitzpatrick as well as members of Clonad GAA.
College Principal Noel Daly emphasised the importance of the partnerships that had made the project possible. His comments were echoed by Mr Cunningham, who underscored the significance of having an all-weather pitch available, particularly in a shared facility such as Portlaoise College. He also noted how other school amenities, such as the hall and running track, are already used extensively by the community.
