‘A pitch for all of North Tipperary’
Image 1 of 4
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan cutting the ribbon at the official opening of BT Harps’ new astro pitch in Templemore, from left: Bríd Barry, David Burke, Theresa Fennell, Richie Kennedy, Paddy Fennell, Thomas Dwan, Philip Ryan (Chairperson, BT Harps), Packie Bonner, Minister Patrick O’Donovan, Gar O’Shea, Ryan O’Meara, TD; Cllr Shane Lee, Ursula Scully, Claire Hassey, Paul Cooke and Bridget Talbot Hoctor. PHOTOS: ODHRAN DUCIE Odhran DucieImage 2 of 4
Presentation of BT Harps jerseys at the official opening of their new astro pitch in Templemore, from left: Ursula Scully (Secretary, NTSFL), Bridget Talbot Hoctor (BT Harps management committee), Packie Bonner, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan, Paul Cooke (President, FAI), Ryan O'Meara TD and Philip Ryan (Chairperson, BT Harps). Odhran DucieImage 3 of 4
Former Irish soccer international goalkeeper Packie Bonner addressing the kids at the official opening of BT Harps’ new astro pitch in Templemore. Odhran DucieImage 4 of 4
A large crowd gathered for the official opening of the new BT Harps astro pitch in Templemore. Odhran DucieBy Gary Culbert
NORTH Tipperary’s first full-size artificial football pitch was officially opened last Wednesday evening by the Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan.
It was a wonderful occasion for the club and the entire footballing community in North Tipperary, attended by distinguished guests including Paul Cooke, President of the FAI; and Irish football legend, Packie Bonner.
The Thomas McDonagh Pipe Band were in attendance to welcome Packie Bonner and Paul Cooke, who enjoyed a meal in the Templemore Arms before arriving at Michael Fennell Park, which was awash with footballing activity; representative squads from both the NTSFL girls and boys academy took on BT Harps teams, showcasing their talent to a large crowd who enjoyed the glorious sunshine, as even the rain stayed away to mark the celebration.
Before the ribbon was cut, BT Harps committee member Richie Kennedy spoke to the crowd on how this facility will not only serve BT Harps, but the region as a whole: “We did licensing agreements that the [local] schools can use our facility, free of charge, for the next fifteen years, any day they want… It’s not just a pitch for BT Harps and Templemore, it’s a pitch for all of North Tipperary.”
Packie Bonner aimed his speech at the children in the audience. The legendary goalkeeper highlighted the importance of playing all sports, keeping in school, and thanking the people who gave them the opportunity to play on such fantastic facilities.
NTSFL Chairman Thomas Dwan addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to the Minister for his support through Sports Capital Funding, which made the project possible. He also praised the hard work and dedication of the BT Harps committee and volunteers, whose efforts have delivered a facility the entire community can be proud of.
Local councillor Shane Lee, who had a key role to play in acquiring the land for the new pitch, was present, as were TD Ryan O’Meara and retired TD Noel Coonan.
When all was said and done, the time finally came for the Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan to cut the ribbon, which signalled the dawn of a new era at BT Harps FC.