Having embarked on an ambitious £85,000 Clubhouse Development Project, Ophir Rugby Football Club in Newtownabbey are pleased to announce that work has now been completed on their exciting new facility, partially funded through the Biffaward Scheme, who contributed £45,000 toward the total cost of the Project.
The replacement of the existing changing rooms at Magowan Park in Mallusk, with new, improved facilities, will almost double the size of the previous Portacabin, that had stood for over 37 years, and will provide greatly enhanced changing and meeting facilities to benefit players, members, supporters, opposition teams and the wider public and community. Officials at Ophir are certain that replacing the existing, outdated facilities will greatly augment the long-term viability and sustainability of their flourishing club. The good news of the completion of the Project has of course been much welcomed within the Club who had a turbulent 2009/10 season but can now contemplate much better times ahead.
Welcoming the completion of work on the Clubhouse Development Project, Club President David Haggan said:
“Our previous facility
was simply not fit for purpose and was certainly not conducive to attracting additional people to the Club, therefore limiting our further growth.”
He added: “The old changing facilities were outdated; they were too small and gave players and officials very little space. This new facility will benefit all by enhancing the facilities available at The Cottonmount. This new purpose built modular clubhouse will offer users a safe, inviting and suitable venue, which will have long-term and lasting benefits for Ophir RFC and its stakeholders. As a club, we are very proud of our rich history and the positive contribution we make to our local communities. Our aim is to continue to modernize and grow our club, to ensure our players are properly supported in playing competitive rugby, and that all of our members, visitors and friends can enjoy their time with us in a comfortable, safe environment. We are confident that these latest improvements will be a great boost for our club and rugby in the local area and we are very much looking forward to our Official Opening on the 14th August and using these facilities for many years to come.”
Cath Hare, Biffaward Assistant Programme Manager said:
“Biffaward is delighted to support this project. Funding has provided new, enhanced facilities to Ophir Rugby Football Club, meaning all users and visitors to the club have access to a safe and inviting venue.”
The Official Opening of Ophir’s New Clubhouse facilities will take place on Saturday 14th August at The Cottonmount, Mallusk. The Opening Ceremony will be performed at 2PM by Dr. Syd Miller CBE, a world renowned authority in rugby circles, having represented Ballymena RFC, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions before going on to manage both Ireland and the Lions and serving, to universal acclaim, as Head of the IRFU and ultimately as Chairman of the International Rugby Board.
At 2:30PM, Ophir RFC 1st XV will take on Ballyclare 1st XV with Ophir 2nd XV locking horns with a Select XV from their close neighbours, Randalstown RFC. These Challenge Matches will be followed at 4.30pm with a reception in the new pavilion with refreshments and entertainment. Ophir will also be supporting the Peader Heffron Appeal on the day, with a raffle taking place, for a signed Ulster Shirt, to raise funds for the PSNI Officer who was so tragically injured by a car bomb in Randalstown in January 2010.
In keeping with their reputation as “the friendly club”, I’m sure Ophir would be delighted to see you there to help them celebrate the latest milestone in their illustrious history.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Ledlie on 07841506166, Trevor Harris on 07588579181, email secretary@ophirrugby.com or log on to www.ophirrugby.com
