Derry’s newest 4G pitch now in play

Derry’s newest 4G pitch is now available to the public.

Derry City manager Kenny Shiels and Mayor Elisha McCallion officially opened new 21st century at Brooke Park, the first phase of the overall generation of the area.

Christy McGeehan, secretary for the Brooke Park user groups, insisted the new facility would bring a new lease of life to the Rosemount area.

He said: “Growing up in Rosemount, we were training with Jim O’Hea in the pitch dark on gravel.

“There were just no good facilities so it’s definitely long overdue for the area.

“The facilities are first class up there at the minute and that’s got a lot to do with the people in the community.

“At the start that was going to be a car park and there was nothing being done for the sporting groups.

“There is a lot of deprivation in that area and we all wanted to get the young fellas there involved in sport; be it football, karate, badminton or squash.

“That’s what we’re doing now and thankfully we have great facilities there now. It’s great for the area and great for young girls and boys who want to get involved in sport.”

Photo shows the Mayor, Councillor Elisha McCallion, at the opening of the new 3G pitch at Brooke Park Leisure Centre, Included are, from left, Tommy McCallion, Service Manager, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Tom McCallion, Christy McGeehan, Phoenix Athletic FC, Callum McDaid, captain of the Phoenix Athletic U-11’s team, Oisin Gallagher, Oxford United U-11’s captain, Kenny Shields, manager of Derry City FC, and Martin Dunne, referee.