A red-letter day in the proud history of Mayo's oldest football club
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Michael Ring cutting the tape with Paul Cooke president of the FAI at the opening of the next phase of the development at United Park, included are Kevin Cusack development committee, David Courell, interim CEO of the FAI, Miniister Dara Calleary, Brian Cusack, chairman of the development committee, Michael Horan, Padraic Burns, Seamus Grady, club president, Richard Grady, club chairman, and councillors Brendan Mulroy, John O’ Malley, Peter Flynn. PHOTOS: FRANK DOLANImage 2 of 5
Nick Broujos from Jacko presenting a set of crested match footballs to Richard Grady, chairman, Michael Horan, Axo architects, and Michael Ring TD, at the opening of the next phase of the development at United Park.Image 3 of 5
Willie Kelly, club vice-president, had a warm welcome for Castlebar Councillor Blackie Gavin.Image 4 of 5
John Ryan, representing the Westport Rugby Club, making a presentation to Richard Grady, chairman, Westport United, Brian Cusack, chairman ,development committee, and Seamus Grady, club president,at the opening of the next phase of the development at United Park.Image 5 of 5
Paul Cooke, president of the FAI, making a presentation to Richard Grady, chairman, Westport United, at the opening ceremony.WESTPORT United Football Club celebrated one of the most significant days in its 113 year history when they had the official opening of its new multi-million euro facility at United Park on Sunday afternoon last.
The completed second phase of the development at United Park sees a floodlit astro pitch, a floodlit grass pitch and two floodlit five a side astro pitches go alongside the existing two full-size grass pitches.
Despite the terrible weather on Sunday afternoon a very large crowd turned out for the community celebration.
The opening was performed by local TD Michael Ring alongside the President of the FAI Paul Cooke. Also in attendance on Sunday were local Councillors Brendan Mulroy, Peter Flynn (also a member of the WUFC Development Committee) and John O’Malley as well as Minister of State Dara Calleary.
The FAI and its Mayo Football League and Connacht FA affiliates were represented by David Courell (FAI interim CEO), Pat Duffy (Westport native), Nigel Naughton (FAI development officer for Mayo), Walter Holleran (FAI facilities manager), Gerry Tully (CFA administrator), John Byrne (CFA chairman), Seamus Hughes (Mayo FL chairman) and John Durkan (Mayo FL secretary).
Deputy Ring paid tribute to the members of WUFC for their vision and ambition in establishing such a wonderful facility for the people of Westport.
Paul Cooke, FAI President, told the large crowd that the facilities in United Park were a template for all other grassroots clubs to follow. He called on the politicians present to support clubs as they develop their grounds and facilities for our young people.
The chairman of WUFC, Richard Grady, welcomed everyone and despite the constant downpour delivered a wonderful speech that connected the founding of the club with the Sports Park development and the new facilities at United Park.
Brian Cusack, the chairman of the Development Committee, thanked everyone for their help along the road to last Sunday.
He singled out the members of his own committee for their unending support and workrate over the years.
The ribbon on the new facility was cut by both Deputy Ring and Paul Cooke, and then the young members of the Academy took to the astro pitch and started playing football.
And that – playing football – was the reason everyone turned up on the day: to celebrate the game of football.
It wouldn’t be right to conclude without a reference to the performance ahead of the opening by the members of the Westport Town Band. Led by Barbara Rabbett, the band did what the band do. They were brilliant, but then again that was no surprise to anyone as they always are.