Pictures: Great turnout in Mullinavat for opening of walkway and Goal Mile Run

Parishioners and people from outside the parish of Mullinavat turned out in great numbers on a nice, but overcast morning on  St Stephen's Day for the opening of the community track and the Goal Mile Charity walk/run.

Once upon a time, the only official GAA field owned by a club outside of Nowlan Park in County Kilkenny was the Mullinavat Gaelic field. It has been in operation here since 1953, costing close to £600.

As Fr Liam Barron pointed out it, was a central location, with five south Kilkenny parishes along its parish border. In years gone by, was often refered to as the capital of the region.

Fr Barron paid tribute to the Ard Comhairle of the club for their vision for the future, which will see many parishioners using this new walkway - from the young, very young to senior citizens. It will be there for all of the community to use.

He thanked the Gaelic Athletic Association for the work they are doing in Mullinavat. In addressing the large crowd, Fr Barron  with respect to all, gave a welcome back after  hospitalisation to Richard Riichie Carroll, one of the  four Presidents of the  club.

John Joe Aylward, chairman of the Ard Conhairle, thanked all who had helped in the progress made over many years. He said supporters and friends of the club should be all proud of what has been done, with no debt remaining.

John Joe asked for support of the community and club volunteers and members to realise this. He said he had no doubt that that the last fundraising drive over 20 years ago would be achieved to unlock the great  potential of the  project.

The total cost will be €600,000 - a major achievement for this South Kilkenny community, with a parish with a small population.

After the Blessing by Fr Barron, the walkway was declared open. To mark the official opening of the new community walkway, the Goal Mile Charity event took place.

The cutting of the tape was put into the hands of three of the four presidents - Richie Carroll, Ned Haberlin, and Liam Kenneally. The fourth, Jim Conway, was unable to attend (Jim Conway was remembered and mentioned by the chairman and Fr Barron during their address. Jim, was for over 60 years, active in the club).

Afterwards the ladies of the GAA club, helped by other volunteers, served refreshments and goodies to a large and very  contented crowd.