Ballinhassig AFC will officially unveil their new all-weather AstroTurf pitch with a day of celebration

Ballinhassig AFC will officially unveil their new all-weather AstroTurf pitch on Saturday, 18th July in Gortnaglough Community Park, marking a landmark day for the club and community.

At the heart of the celebration will be an international Amputee Football friendly between Ireland and England, kicking off at 3pm, promising an inspiring showcase of skill and resilience.

The day is packed with excitement with the TJ Reardon Perpetual Cup and girl's blitz, as well as a Ballinhassig AFC Legends Match and a mini blitz involving the club's recently established Women's Social Soccer group.

Adding to the festivities, medal presentations will honour Ballinhassig’s trophy-winning teams from the season just gone, with club chairman Ger Spillane inviting everyone to attend:

"Although the new pitch has been in use since November, we felt it important to officially open it and mark the day,” said Spillane. 

"We will welcome everyone to join this special occasion of football, fun, and community pride!"

Cork City FC and Ireland Amputee player Ruairi Murphy is looking forward to the day and hopes huge numbers come out to celebrate what promises to be a memorable day:

“I know all the lads are delighted to bring amputee football to Cork. 

"Ballinhassig have been so accommodating and we can't wait to play England in the fantastic facilities of Ballinhassig. 

"It's the first time an amputee international game has been played in Cork, so that's an honour for us lads from Leeside, so we hope we get a crowd to shout us on."

The match will be used by both nations as preparation for the upcoming WAFF World Cup to be held in Mexico in November and Murphy is excited about facing our close neighbours.

"Every game for Ireland is an important one, but this game will be a big test for us. 

"England are a strong side in amputee football and very well funded. A lot of us know each other, and while we get on well off the pitch, I'm sure the rivalry will be fierce on it. 

"It’s fantastic for us to play an international game in front of our friends and family here in Cork. 

"We’re really looking forward to it.” 

Ballinhassig Coaching Co-ordinator Dáire Coughlan is also on the staff of the Irish Amputees management and he is excited for his side to play such a high profile game in his home club.

“It's great that my two footballing lives, so to speak, can come together on the 18th July in Gortnaglough Community Park. 

"To be able to show off this amazing facility and host a game like this in my grassroots club shows how far we've come as a club, but the Irish lads will have a job to do! 

"Our minds are firmly fixed on Mexico in November, and from the Irish Amputee Football Association's point of view, the hard work and planning has already begun."

However going to a World Cup and all the logistics that come with it, is costly and the IAFA are looking at an eye-watering cost of approximately €40,000 just to get to Mexico!

Coughlan hopes that the Celebration Day and the match against England will demonstrate what the sport is about and what it means to those who represent Ireland playing it:

"Amputee football takes incredible skill and balance, and a World Cup is the pinnacle. But getting to Mexico won't be cheap, so I'd call on anyone who is interested in supporting the Boys In Green to get in touch with the IAFA online or through myself. 

"I think after they see the lads in action on the 18th, they'll appreciate just what amazing talent these footballers possess."

Spillane was quick to point out that the excellent facility at Ballinhassig is decades of hard work.

"This club wasn't built in a day, a week, a month or even a year. It has been built from day one back in 1979 to today. 

"So many people have contributed to the club and yes, the Astro is a huge success for the current committee and members, but without our predecessors, we wouldn't be hosting this day and this amazing Amputee football game, hence we want to celebrate everyone who has committed their time to Ballinhassig over the years.”