Grand opening of Marian sports hall

By Paul Carton

Photo: JR@N4.

Marian College’s new sports hall is finally up and running and officially opened its doors to the public for its grand opening on the 19th of January.
Speeches from the recently retired principal Paul Meaney, new principal Ms Oonagh McCaul and a thank you speech from the Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy, gave praise to all who was involved in its conception, fundraising and development. A special thanks was given to the Covanta Community Gains funding and the Aviva Community funds for their large contribution towards paying off the loans needed for the new sports hall’s construction.

Also present on the evening was former Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn, who was responsible for obtaining funding from the department.
The total cost of the project was €1.4 million and the land the sports hall is built on was donated by the Marist Brothers to Marian College who also gave an interest-free loan of €600,000.

Present on the day was the architect Olan Crowley, who himself was a past pupil of the college and deservedly received gratitude for the outstanding work he has done designing the new facility that will be enjoyed by both pupils and the community alike.
It is kitted out with six basketball rings and a high ceiling which also allows for a mezzanine level that promises to be utilized for a workout area and yoga sessions.

Minister Murphy who is also in the Marian College’s yearbooks paid special thanks to the recently retired principal Paul Meaney, not only for his efforts in the sports hall’s development but for his important work in the community.

Bites on the night were provided by local man John Cassidy’s Cassidy Catering, and everyone was invited back for dinner and celebrations to the Sandymount Hotel, who have just recently sponsored the Gaelic jerseys of Marian Colleges Senior Teams.

For anyone who wants to book the sports hall, you are advised to contact Marian College at 01 6684036 or you can email the new principal Ms Oonagh McCaul at principal@mariancollege.ie
Left: Eoghan Murphy ​TD, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government with Brother Brendan Geary (Provincial Council, West-Central Europe Marist Brothers) and Paul Meany.
Below: Marian College students enjoying the new facilities.