There was great excitement in Arles-Killeen last night as the club officially unveiled their brand new state of the art gym.
Adjacent to the pitch and the walking track, the gym is an incredible structure that is the result of countless hours of community and volunteer work.
A project that special deserves a very special guest to officially open it and in GAA terms, this guest doesn’t get any bigger.
GAA President Jarlath Burns was on hand to pull back the curtain to the delight of the huge crowd who gathered on the night.
Addressing them first, Arles-Killeen chairman Billy O’Loughlin thanked Jarlath Burns for coming down.
He said: “We are delighted to have Jarlath in what was a brilliant year for him with Armagh winning the All-Ireland and his son playing.
“I’d also like to thank everyone for coming tonight and everyone who has helped build this gym over the last two years.
“The effort that has been put in by everyone in the club to build the gym from the ground up has been fantastic.
“The foundations, the paintings, the equipment – everything – and it is a testament to the people that are here today.
“This is for the future, for the children here tonight and for the community at large.”
President Burns began by wishing Arles-Killeen’s Martin Byrne well as he will soon become the chairman of Leinster GAA.
He said: “Standing before this fantastic facility, I can feel the energy and the hard work that has gone in to make it a reality – voluntary work.
“This gym is not just a place for training, it represents the strength of this community, the dedication of everyone involved and the future of Gaelic Games here in Arles-Killeen.
“Facilities like these don’t just come over night. They are the result of tireless commitment, fundraising, planning and an unshakable belief in the club’s future.
“To everyone who supported this, this is your achievement and it is one that will be remembered for years to come.
“The vision behind this gym goes beyond physical fitness. It is about building a space where young and old will grew, develop their skills and strengthen their bodies and minds for the game.
“It is about creating an environment that brings people together – whether it is early morning training sessions, recovery sessions after a tough match or just spending time with teammates, this gym will become a cornerstone of the club.
“This new facility will give players the chance to perform to the best of their ability and foster a love for Gaelic Games that will only go stronger.”
While the gym comes fitted with all of the state of the art equipment that you would expect, it was the jerseys that are framed on the end wall that caught the GAA President’s eye.
He said: “When I went inside, I saw the pride that you have in your past and current county players.
“Every county player has donated one of their jerseys and they are hung up there as an inspiration to younger people who will use the gym to say that someday their jersey might be up there.
“They could play for Laois and one day win a Leinster or an All-Ireland title.
“For us in Armagh this time last year, the prospect of winning an Ulster title let alone and All-Ireland title was fanciful and dreamworld stuff – so it is hard to believe where we are now.”
After the speeches, the large crowd headed in for a look at the new gym.
Then it was on the the community hall where President Burns presented awards to former greats of the club and judged an art competition.
Photographer Paul Dargan was there last night and captured some great images.
Check them out below:
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