Statements | ráitis

In light of recent speculation, East Belfast GAA wishes to clarify the nature of our short-term use of Cairnshill Playing Fields.

At the beginning of this season, we secured bookings on the half GAA - half soccer pitch at Cairnshill on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. This temporary arrangement enabled us to facilitate training across our multiple teams while we awaited extended opening hours at our regular home grounds.

The management and allocation of council facilities is the responsibility of the relevant local council and we are grateful for the opportunity to avail of shared spaces alongside other clubs.

Thanks to the support of Belfast City Council, Henry Jones Playing Fields has since been made available for longer hours to accommodate both training and matches. As a result of this, alongside the commencement of our usual bookings at other facilities, our use of Cairnshill concludes at the end of April, as all of our training has now returned to our primary facilities.

We recognise that pitch access is an ongoing challenge for many clubs across all sports, particularly with the continued growth of Gaelic Games, especially among female codes and youth academies. Urban clubs like ours are expanding and we remain committed to working respectfully and constructively with others to support a vibrant, shared sporting community in east Belfast.

Our ethos as a club is moving forward together. We take pride in being good partners and are fortunate to enjoy positive relationships with many clubs and sports who we share playing facilities with. Our doors are always open to any collaboration that strengthens sporting opportunities and builds a more inclusive, supportive community for all.

#Together #LeChéile #Thegither #سويا