This article is from page 28 of the 2007-03-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 28 JPG
THIS week signaled the beginning of a new era at the home of the GAA in Ireland. Michael Cusack’s joined the elite of the footballing world last Saturday week when they officially opened the new floodlighting at Glenn Ciosog.
The grounds new state of the art lighting system and upgraded chang- ing facilities were christened in good fashion with a brace of matches and an evening packed with quality foot- ball.
The GAA’s’ Munster Chairman, John Fogarty,
Council joined
Clare County GAA Board chairman, Michael MacDonagh in flicking the switch and bringing light to football in the centre of the Burren.
“This field was developed 25 years ago with the stand and dressing rooms coming two years later and at that time it would have been one of the finest facilities in the county,” said a club spokesperson.
“Tt will also be very important for the parish. We now have a large room which could be used for all sorts of community events in the parish.”
Liscannor were the big winners on SoMeA COND OTM DEO DITCME: Ae NAM SLES EES Te Corn An Chéad Cup after defeat-
ing Ballyvaughan in the final of the north Clare Senior and Intermediate competition.
Fittingly, it was an underage team from Michael Cusack’s who had the honour of being the first team to claim a victory under the new lights as the under-12’s saw off the chal- lenge of Lisdoonvarna.
“Our numbers are small, like every rural parish, but every child in the area 1s playing football and enjoy- ing it. The floodlights will add to the excitement of it for the children and bring a bit more buzz for them,” con- tinued a club spokesperson.
Meanwhile, just down the road, the
finishing touches are being put on the Michael Cusack’s Centre which will open to the public from Easter Sun- day. The fully restored 18th century cottage of Michael Cusack will be the highlight of the tour for many people while the centre itself will provide a host of information and photographs which is sure to be a must for any GAA fan.
The centre, which was officially opened by GAA President Nick Brennan in November will be open from 10am to 5pm each day dur- ing the Spring. Admission is €5 for adults, €3.50 for children and under 5’s are free.