Hibs celebrate new clubhouse opening – in another venue

By Denise McNamara

The celebrations surrounding the opening of the new Hibernians FC Clubhouse had to be carried out in the nearby community centre as the building hasn’t been handed over.

However, this didn’t seem to mar the atmosphere on Saturday as former player and Ireland international, David Forde charmed an army of youngsters.

Up to 400 people turned out to witness the unveiling of the €1.35m clubhouse which boasts six dressing rooms with shower facilities, gym, meeting rooms, office space and a substantial car park.
However because the facility had not been handed over by the contractor to Galway City Council in time, the crowd were not permitted to enter the building at the same time.

The invitees, which included Forde, Millwall and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, as well as Football Association of Ireland (FAI) President John Delaney, had to don high visibility jackets and be taken on a guided tour of 25 people at a time, with nobody under the age of 16 allowed to enter.

The celebration to mark the occasion took place instead in the community hall in Bohermore instead of in the state-of-the art 5,000 sq ft clubhouse.

“The contractors, Weslin Construction from Dublin, were not in a position to hand it over, things probably ran a bit too tight in time. There were air test and water tests to be carried out as part of the snag list before it could be taken over by the council,” confirmed Councillor Ollie Crowe.

“I must have rung the council 40 times in the last two weeks but it wasn’t handed over in time. It was a small bit disappointing it wasn’t ready. I have got confirmation this morning from Galway City Council that it is going to be handed over no later than June 15.”

Member of the organising committee, Sean McGlynn, said they had picked the date some time back to suit Forde, who has just finished his season in the UK and is about to go on international duty for Ireland.

“Once we organised the function we couldn’t change. It wasn’t a major issue as far as we’re concerned. Galway City Council and the developers accommodated tours of 25 people so everybody who wanted to, got to see the inside of the building. The initial plan was to have it finished by that date but it was never written in stone.”

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.