Sean OHeslins, one of the legendary clubs of Leitrim GAA, has seen many big occasions but this coming weekend will be one of their greatest ever. The culmination of seven years of work comes on Sunday next when Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Criostóir Ó Cuana, officially opens the new Páirc Sheáin Uí Eislin.
Páirc Sheáin Uí Eislin was the first GAA-owned grounds in Leitrim when it first opened in 1952. For years it was the main County grounds and hosted County Finals, Connacht Championships and many big games. Indeed National League games were played there until the early 1990s. However, it was prone to flooding and many a game had to be changed elsewhere even in summertime.
In 2002 the club embarked on a major development the like of which had not been seen in Leitrim before. The main pitch was intensively drained and is now the best in the County. The club then developed a second pitch, something which is common in many counties but not in Leitrim. The second pitch is also a Prunty pitch and is as good as the main one. The final phase was the development of a stand and dressingrooms and other facilities. The stand can seat nearly 800 people. There are four dressingrooms underneath as well as referees rooms etc. Upstairs there is a gym and clubrooms.
On next weekend there are a series of activities, details of which can be seen in the Leitrim Observer. The official opening is on Sunday at 3.00pm. Local clubs Aughawillan, Aughnasheelin, Drumreilly and Fenagh as well as Sean OHeslins will partake in a tournament for the Thomas Galligan Memorial Cup.
The club has also produced a DVD history which will be launched in Priors Lounge on Saturday night by Uachtarán, Críostóir Ó Cuana, at 9.30. This will be a wonderful look at the history of a famous club in all its aspects. It will be on sale after the launch as well as in the pitch on Sunday and in local shops.
All of the Gaels of Leitrim are invited to the opening on Sunday. Admission is free. Agus tá fáilte roimh gach duine.
19-May-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan