Mulryan praises County Roscommon ground’s ‘extraordinary facility’

Prominent County Roscommon businessman Seán Mulryan praised Oran GAA Club for an “extraordinary facility” as he officially opened the redeveloped main pitch at its grounds in Rockfield on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Mulryan, who is a native of Oran, told the gathering that he had a lot of great memories with the club and paid credit to it for developing such “an extraordinary facility”.

“I know what it takes for a small club to deliver something like this because it takes an awful lot of time, an awful lot of fundraising, a lot of drive and a lot of hours. What you have left here for the next generation is absolutely spectacular,” he said.

Mr Mulyran, who is CEO and Chairperson of Ballymore Property Group, went on to remark that the GAA was the best amateur sports organisation in the world.

Seamus McDermott, Oran GAA Parks Committee Chairperson, told those gathered at the official opening that Mr Mulryan had been “brilliant” with his support for the club over the years, highlighting that support had made a “tremendous difference” when it came to developing facilities.

During his address, Mr McDermott added he wanted to remember all the former members of the club who had passed away.

“They gave us tremendous help, support and dedication and they lay the foundations and we have to continue to build on that,” he said.

He also highlighted the contribution of the late Paddy Francis Dwyer who acquired the lands off the Land Commission.

“We cannot forget the people of Oran and surrounding areas, who supported every fundraiser. And that’s why we are going from strength to strength,” he continued.

Mr McDermott spoke about the importance of funding from sources such as the Sports Capital Grant programme, Leader and Roscommon County Council, and thanked Oireachtas members for their continued support.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Liam Callaghan, said he was delighted to be present for the official opening of the redeveloped pitch.

Cllr Callaghan noted that it was very challenging times for rural clubs but Oran continued to field at all ages and was continuing to develop its grounds.

“They are a very prominent GAA club in Roscommon and are involved in hurling, football, ladies’ football and camogie,” he remarked.

The Fine Gael councillor acknowledged that GAA clubs offer a great and lifelong outlet for young people that helps guide them for their future “and Oran GAA club is one of the best at doing this”.

Addressing the official opening, Roscommon GAA Chairperson, Brian Carroll, praised the club for the work it had carried out at the ground, including the redeveloped pitch and walking track.

“It’s a credit to everyone involved in the club,” he said before stressing the importance of sports capital funding for clubs in rural Ireland.

Celebrations on Saturday got underway at lunchtime with exhibition games by underage teams taking place on Oran’s upgraded main pitch, which was first opened in 1983.

(See full pictorial coverage in this week's Roscommon Herald).