Centre of Excellence funding welcomed

The funding is coming from the PEACEPLUS Programme.

​The development will include four GAA pitches, a spectator stand, fitness suite, indoor games area and facilities for the community to benefit from.

“This is hugely positive news for gaels across South Down and will help to inspire a new generation of young athletes,” said South Down MP Chris Hazzard.

“This is a significant piece of funding from the EU and represents their ongoing commitment to our local communities and peace building here.

“I look forward to seeing this game-changing project delivered and the local GAA community enjoying these fantastic new facilities.”

Newry & Armagh SDLP MLA, Justin McNulty, described the announcement as “a momentous day for Down GAA”.

"The €15.4million PEACEPLUS investment is a huge step forward in the development of the iconic, inclusive, and transformational project at Ballykinlar, which will allow generations of Down Gaels to thrive and blossom, both on and off the pitch,” he said.

“Huge credit belongs to the Down County Board, the Project Advisory Board, the team of County Officers, and the wider GAA community, who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this funding application.

“The Ballykinlar Project is a visionary development and it will act as a major catalyst for excellence, inclusion, and reconciliation. So much of our past and our history overlaps at Ballykinlar, which makes it a powerful place for future generations to come together to build a brighter future.”

Down GAA Chairperson John Devaney said, “The confirmation of funding from the PEACEPLUS Programme is a significant step in our plans to develop what will be an iconic project at Ballykinlar. The success of our application is down to the hard work and support of a number of people within our team and our project partners Cooperation Ireland and the County Down Rural Community Network.

"We are excited at the prospect that our plan will finally come to fruition.