GAA President launches new pitch

Posted on: 14 March 2017

Trinity Sport officially opened its new GAA pitch at the revamped Santry Sports Grounds at the weekend. Over 1,500 people descended on the venue to watch Trinity men take on Jim Gavin’s Dublin footballers.

President of the GAA Aogán Ó Fearghaíl performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new floodlit arena pitch. This followed welcome addresses by Michelle Tanner, Head of Trinity Sport, and Geraldine Ruane, the college’s Chief Operating Officer.

GAA Development Officer Conor Laverty, one of the main organisers of the event, also spoke, thanking the 500 children who attended. The U10s, representing 25 different GAA clubs from around Dublin and beyond, played a series of blitz games on the new pitch prior to the main match and again during half time.

Such community engagement is an important part of Trinity Sport’s remit. Speaking in advance of the event Michelle Tanner commented: “Santry Sports Grounds have existed in the Trinity’s portfolio since 1960 and have stood the test of time as an essential student sport facility operating within the northside communities. The recent investments in the facilities here supports our vision to recreate a hub of multi-sport activity that allows student sport to flourish and benefit from community relationships.”

The feature match between Trinity and Dublin finished 0-10 (Trinity) to 3-12 (Dublin), despite a valiant display by the home side.

Michelle Tanner thanked the captains from the college’s five GAA codes, as well as the Provost and the executive officers, alumni and friends for their continued unwavering support. “We believe in the power of sport and know that sport makes a difference to so many lives.”

Main photo (L-R): Michelle Tanner, Aogán Ó Fearghaíl and Geraldine Ruane, flanked by the captains from Trinity and Dublin