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The ribbon cut by George Dineen, in front, and the path is open for all. At back L/r: John Breen, Billy Ryle, Eamonn O’Reilly, Eamonn Linnane, George Dineen, John Tobin, Fr. Amos, Denis O’Regan, Mairead Fernane, Martin Collins, Tim Guihane, Eddie Barrett and Noel O’Connell. Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
A NEW disability friendly path was officially opened at Austin Stacks GAA grounds at Connolly Park on Saturday night.
Welcoming the attendance at the opening, Billy Ryle, Club Chairman, said that just a year ago the 10-day Bracker 100km fundraising walk began to raise funds for a path allowing access for all to the far side of the main pitch and to reduce footfall on the pitch.
He said that he was very grateful to Eamonn Linnane Construction for building the beautiful path which allows access to the far terrace in Connolly Park for people of all abilities.
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“All Rock supporters can now be part of the 16th Man on the Árd Carraig Terrace,” Billy said.
Billy sincerely thanked Fr Amos for joining them to bless the path and all present. He assured him that most of those who were present were badly in need of his blessing!
Billy stated that nobody could be more deserving of the honour of cutting the ribbon than George Dineen, a lifelong loyal Rock supporter and a valued member of the Club community.
First person to traverse the disability friendly path was guest of honour, George Dineen accompanied by club members, Denis O’Regan, George Dineen and Martin Collins. Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
“While his disability didn’t allow him to play football, he was always a member of the panel,” said Billy, who mentioned being shown a lovely picture during the week of George and his friends celebrating an under-age success and George was the proudest man in the picture.
George, he said, is ever present at Stacks games and his positive outlook and zest for life are infectious.
“George represents all that is good about Austin Stacks and he inspires those leading the Club to make Connolly Park as accessible as possible to members of all abilities. Tonight, for the first time, George would be able to join the Rock supporters on the far side of the pitch, thanks to this beautiful path. That alone has made the effort to build this path so worthwhile,” said the chairman.
Austin Stacks Club Chairman, Billy Ryle, on right, welcomes guest of honour George Dineen and his dad, George to Connolly Park on Saturday evening. Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
The new path, Billy said, is a concrete expression of Austin Stacks commitment to equality, accessibility, inclusion and diversity in the Club
George Dineen, assisted by his father, also named George, cut the ribbon to officially open the new path. As was fitting, George was the first person to cross the path to the ÁrdCarraig terrace where he enjoyed watching his beloved Austin Stacks warming up for the game against John Mitchels which they won by 0-14 to 0-11.
