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Ballela Officially open pitch

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BALLELA GAC NOTES- www.ballela.com

On the 6th May Ballela officially opened their new pitch Pairc na Naomh. The official opening took place 106 years after the clubs foundation. Ballela chairman Barney McCusker said he was very proud of the facilities they had now on site and that the club he felt the playing surface was was one of the best in Ulster. He thanked the stirling work of the Ballela committee members whose work made the day possible.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from the Down County Board, the former GAA president Paddy Mc Flynn and representatives of the Banbridge District council and other sponsors who had financially supported the project. The day began with the pitch's bless in by the Parish Priest Very Rey Paddy Joe Murray before the ribbon was cut by Paddy McFlynn.

The parade before the inaugural matches was led by St Patrick's Accordion band Mayobridge. Leitrim played Down Junior Hurlers in the first match as part of the Leinster shield and the second match was a friendly between Down Senior Hurlers and Dublin.