Gallery: Official opening of new astro turf pitch at Letterkenny Rovers FC

The fabulous new astro-turf facilities at Leckview Park in Letterkenny were officially opened on Sunday on a day of celebration for Letterkenny Rovers FC.

The event took place against the backdrop of the Sunday morning ‘Junior Rovers’ academy where local children took part in their weekly training session on the new astro surface.

The new floodlight pitch transforms a facility that has been the home of Letterkenny Rovers for almost 60 years.

And that proud history was touched by some of the guests who spoke at Sunday’s event.

The official opening was performed by Donegal TD, Deputy Joe McHugh who as Minister, had given his full backing to the project when he was first told about the plans back in 2017.

He said credit was due to the officer board for seeing through an exciting project despite some difficulties, including the onset of Covid-19, along the way.

Guests were welcomed by MC for the occasion, Diarmaid Doherty, and he said that on such a proud day for the club, it was important to remember former club members who are no longer with us, and who would no doubt be delighted with the new facilities that are in place.

Club chairman, Dessie Kelly paid tribute to his fellow committee and club members for driving on the project and he said the new pitch will be a valuable addition to Leckview Park.

He thanked everyone for attending the official opening, especially those from neighbouring clubs. He said they may be rivals on match days, but away from the games, they are good friends and that was shown by their attendance on Sunday.

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Another to address the event was Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh, Mayor of the Letterkenny and Milford Municipal District.

He congratulated everyone involved in Letterkenny Rovers for having the foresight and ambition to develop such a fabulous facility and wished the club well in the future.

The event took place in brilliant sunshine and the young footballers attending the Sunday morning coaching availed of ice-cream and treats to mark the occasion.