NATIONAL hurling manager Martin Fogarty will official open Glenullin’s new Ball Wall this Saturday, December 11.

The six-time All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny will also host a skills session with the club’s senior camogie squad and coaches from the club.

“It’s great to see another excellent space made available for the young people of our community,” commented Claire Rafferty, the senior camogie captain.

“This could not have been made possible without the amazing volunteers and sponsors, as well as the widespread support that we have received throughout our ball wall campaign.

“We are delighted to be able to have such an incredible facility on our doorstep that will be a long-standing legacy which can be left behind for future generations to come. This ball wall will be of amazing benefit for our future young players as it affords them extra opportunities and space to develop their skills.”

Drone footage of Glenullin’s training area with their new Ball Wall

Dan Mullan, on behalf of the club committee, said the project – which has been in progress for a number of years – will be a ‘wonderful addition’ to that the club can offer the community.

“We are seeing the Ball Wall being used by all age groups and for a range of sports – camogie, football and basketball – and also gives us the potential to introduce handball in the coming years to the club,” Mullan said.

“We have worked very closely with the camogie club over the past few years to plan and execute the building of the Ball Wall, and it is a testament to what can be achieved when our community comes together.

“Our forefathers instilled the voluntary ethos in our generation and the importance of working together to realise our goals. It is our hope the youth see this and bring it forward in the years ahead.”

The Camogie Club was formed in 1944 by a new priest to the Parish – Father Blee – playing in the local farmers fields and dodging the livestock.

Glenullin now proudly have seven teams at underage, and this year for the first time in the club history, they have fielded two adult teams, with their Intermediate team winning the 2021 Intermediate Shield.

The event will take place at 3.45 on Saturday, with Derry Camogie Chairperson Paddy Downey, and Derry GAA Chairperson Stephen Barker in attendance.