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Taoiseach backs home side as Greystones Utd AFC’s new all-weather pitch opens

Taoiseach Simon Harris cuts the ribbon on the new pitch at Greystones United. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Taoiseach Simon Harris with Daniel Large who plays for Greystones Utd U11s. Photo: Leigh Anderson

John McShane with son Stellan who plays for Greystones Utd U8s. Photo: Leigh Anderson

thumbnail: Taoiseach Simon Harris cuts the ribbon on the new pitch at Greystones United. Photo: Leigh Anderson
thumbnail: Taoiseach Simon Harris with Daniel Large who plays for Greystones Utd U11s. Photo: Leigh Anderson
thumbnail: John McShane with son Stellan who plays for Greystones Utd U8s. Photo: Leigh Anderson
Tom Galvin
© Bray People

Taoiseach Simon Harris officially opened the new all-weather pitch for Greystones United AFC in his home town on Saturday, April 27, having worked “for years” with local sports representatives to secure the facility for the club.

The Wicklow Taoiseach said the new pitch will be of "huge benefit to the local community all year round, come rain or come shine”, and a game changer for the club, which has 60 teams and 1,100 players playing across six different leagues.

The club also has a strong focus on developing the women’s game, and after a recent Elite Club Partnership with Bray Wanderers, counts over 200 girls and young women among its players.

Speaking on Saturday evening, the Taoiseach praised the endeavours of all those involved who helped see the ambitions of the club finally realised and remarked on the wider implications for the “health and wellbeing” of the community.

“Being in Greystones this evening I am so energised and thrilled to open the new all-weather pitch for Greystones United AFC,” he said.

“The local community has worked so hard to see this delivered. I can’t express how much of a boost this state-of-the-art pitch will be for residents across Greystones.

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“What we are doing here as a community is promoting physical health and wellbeing.

"Pitches like the one we are standing on tonight are badly needed if we are serious about promoting healthy lifestyles and also promoting social and fostering community ties between local residents,” he continued.

“Having spoken at length with local stakeholders and Chairman Andy O’Hara I know Greystones United AFC now has a growing girls’ section. This was a huge driver for the new pitch. Greystones United AFC now has 16 girls’ teams, including two Women’s League of Ireland teams in partnership with the amazing Bray Wanderers.

"This new pitch caters and allows for the continued expansion of the club and offers the infrastructural support for all our small-sided boys’ and girls’ teams,” he added.

“As a local and as a Wicklow TD I will always work hand in hand with the community to deliver these public infrastructure projects that benefit everyone from all ages. I want to sincerely thank all that have worked with us to get this across the line. Let the games begin!” he concluded.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 29th April 2024