The newly-developed Diamond Park will be on show in all its glory tonight as the Donegal League’s Oscar Traynor team face Finn Harps in a friendly at the Ballyare venue.
A new sand-based pitch was laid and developed by William Coyle of Pitch Dimensions while new floodlights were installed by McSherry Electrical from Cork.
The total cost of the new development was in the region of €300,000 – and tonight local soccer fans will see a first glimpse of the famous old venue in its new guise, beneath the glow of the imposing floodlights.
Two new 12-seat dugouts have also be installed and a perimeter fence and pathway, as well as ball stops behind the goals, are included in this part of the development.
At the Donegal League’s presentation function in June, FAI CEO John Delaney granted the League €50,000 towards the development.
Donegal League Registrar Nigel Ferry has been heavily involved in the project.
“Our clubs have backed this from the very start,” he said.
“From day one and the famous levy, our clubs in the Donegal League have got behind Ballyare.
“We are thankful to Minister Joe McHugh for his help in our Capital Funding application and also to John Delaney for his assistance.”
Ferry paid tribute to William Coyle, McSherry Electrical and to Rodgers Fencing.
He had a special word for the caretaker, Eunan Doherty.
“Eunan has been doing everything here,” Ferry said. “He was shovelling concrete when the floodlights were going in and he was digging holes for the fencing. We’re extremely lucky to have him.”
Ollie Horgan’s Finn Harps senior team will face the Donegal League’s Oscar Traynor selection, now under the management of new boss Raymond Shiels. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
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