Last Saturday, the rugby community of Bangor gathered at Upritchard Park for the official opening of their newly refurbished clubhouse and changing facilities.
The opening marked the end of a number of years of hard work by both Bangor RFC and Bangor CC, which has helped deliver a new state of the art changing block, a new foyer, toilet facilities and kitchen.
Improvements were also made to the existing viewing balcony, and a new accessible lift was also installed.
The official opening was conducted by Greg Irwin, President of the IRFU Ulster Branch, and Bangor, Ulster and Ireland international, Stuart McCloskey.
Other guests included Craig Blaney, Mayor of North Down & Ards, Ian Houston, President of the Northern Cricket Union, Alex Easton MP, Andrew Muir MLA and Cllr Wesley Irvine.
Club President Drew Kennedy welcomed all guests to Upritchard Park for what he described as a ‘momentous day in the club’s history’.
Kennedy then went on to thank all those who played their part in getting the project off the ground and completed on time.
“It has been a major effort to get here, and many club volunteers have worked hard over the past few years. It has truly been a team effort.”
Bangor RFC Chairman and project co-ordinator Mark Thallon thanked Ulster Rugby’s Funding & Projects Manager, Matthew Holmes, for his assistance and recognised the funding contribution from the UK Government.
The project at Bangor is one of 30 projects included in the Ulster Branch's wider £5.1m Club Capital Improvement Project.
There were also thanks from Thallon to the Bangor community, who rallied together to support a number of fundraising projects as the club worked towards its target to get the project off the ground.
“I would like to pay tribute to the way the people of Bangor and further afield came together to support the club's Buy A Brick initiative.
“The scheme was a roaring success, and the generosity of the local community ensures that both Bangor Rugby Football Club and Bangor Cricket Club can look forward to bright futures.”
IRFU Ulster Branch President Greg Irwin noted the strong relationships that exist within the Bangor community, and how those links will ensure cricket and rugby in Bangor are in a strong position for years to come.
“I know from talking to my colleagues at Ulster Rugby that this club really has a plan for the future, and that is something that we really want to support. You have a really good coaching division and excellent levels of participation.
“And of course, partnership is important to all of that. It’s really nice to see elected representatives and local schools here today, and Ulster Rugby really supports these long term partnerships.”