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ulster
rugby.com
17
ULSTER
RUGBY
UlsterBranch
NEW SHARED SPORTS FACILITY
MINISTER OPENS NEW SHARED
SPORTS FACILITY
The joint project between Aquinas and Ulster
Rugby was funded by the Department of
Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and Belfast
City Council and features a synthetic 3G pitch
that can be used for rugby, football or GAA
training. It also has a second, smaller 3G
training area, a basketball/netball court and an
outdoor gym.
The facility at Aquinas can be accessed
directly from Ulster Rugby’s training base
in the Hughes Insurance Family Stand and
will form a participatory element of the new
Kingspan Stadium education tours that will
begin next year when the new Nevin Spence
Centre opens.
The pitches were completed in late September
and are used daily by pupils at Aquinas
Diocesan Grammar School, by the Ulster
Rugby squad and by the local community.
Speaking at the opening, the Minister said:
“The transformation has been incredible
and we now have fantastic facilities available
not only to pupils of Aquinas Grammar
School and Ulster Rugby but also the wider
community.
“I am pleased that my Department’s
contribution of £560,000, together with Belfast
City’s Council’s contribution, has produced
such a worthwhile outcome. I am delighted to
see the school estate being maximised for the
benefits of the wider community.”
Lord Mayor, Nichola Mallon, said: “A key
goal of Belfast City Council’s Investment
Programme is to prioritise projects that make a
The DCAL Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, has officially opened a new
sports facility at Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School that will
provide state-of-the-art training facilities for Ulster Rugby, as well
as health and fitness benefits to pupils and the wider community.
real difference to communities. This is a great
example.
“Our £15 million investment in pitches
throughout all parts of the city will ensure
greater use of facilities as well as boosting
excellence across a range of sports.”
Principal of Aquinas Diocesan Grammar
School, Mr Barry Kelly said: “We are delighted
that the Diocesan trustees have supported
our continuing partnership with Ulster Rugby.
The new facilities enhance the learning
experiences and opportunities for Aquinas
students; support Ulster Rugby in providing
first class training facilities with access for the
local clubs, schools and communities”.
Mr Kelly wished to acknowledge funding
from DCAL and BCC and the attendance
of Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, Lord Mayor,
Councillor Nichola Mallon, and Bishop
Anthony Farquahar representing the Diocese
of Down and Connor, the school trustees.
Ulster Rugby Chief Executive, Shane Logan
added: “This is a fantastic shared facility
that has enormous benefits to Ulster Rugby,
Aquinas Grammar School and to the local
community.
“It means that our team has access to world
class training facilities right on its doorstep
and will be a great resource to our players as
they prepare for matches.
“I would like to thank the DCAL Minister, Carál
Ní Chuilín as well as Belfast City Council for
funding this project and to our neighbours,
Aquinas Grammar School, for partnering with
us so successfully with us on this top-class
sports facility.”