New Tartan Running track officially opened at St Michael’s College, Enniskillen 

11th November 2021

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St. Michaels College Running Track Opening 55

Monday 8 November 2021 was an auspicious day for St Michael’s College Enniskillen with the opening of a new 400 metre 6 lane tartan running track at the school playing fields on Cherrymount Link Road, Enniskillen.

Built at a cost of £210,000, the track also features an 8 lane sprint track and meets the standard set down for accreditation by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

The construction of the track was a collaboration between St Michael’s College, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Sport NI.

Speaking about the new track, Cathal O’Connor, Vice Principal of St Michael’s College said;

“The pride that we have in St. Michael’s College at being able to offer this facility to benefit not only our pupils and the pupils of neighbouring schools is made all the greater by being able to open our doors to welcome people from all across the community here in Fermanagh, Omagh and beyond.”

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Councillor Errol Thompson, speaking at the official opening of the track, said;

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to working in partnership with other stakeholders to improve the quality of life of all the residents of the district. This project is a perfect example of how public sector partnership can deliver first class facilities and enhance the provision of services for residents in the district.

The track will be a tremendous addition, not only to the superb sports facilities already available here at the school, but will also benefit the wider community in Enniskillen and wider afield, serving as an excellent community resource.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is proud to be a co funder of this project.”

The Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA said “

“I am delighted that my Department has been able to provide funding, via Sport NI, for these high quality facilities under the ‘Your School Your Club’ initiative, which aims to open up school facilities for the local community to use outside of normal school hours. Access to quality facilities plays a vital role in getting people active and in promoting both physical and mental well-being. This fantastic project shows what can be achieved when central and local Government work together with schools, communities and clubs to create welcoming and accessible spaces and places that provide opportunities for everyone to become more active.”

Commenting on the development, the Chairman of Sport NI, George Lucas said:

“Sport NI is proud to support such an excellent facility via the Your School Your Club initiative. Running has increased in popularity in recent years, and has been of particular benefit to people coping with the pandemic restrictions of lockdown. This partnership between the School and Council will not only improve the quality of athletics at St Michael’s College, but also be a valuable community asset to encourage and improve sporting opportunities for the people of Fermanagh & Omagh.”

The running track, which was jointly funded by Sport NI through funding from the “Your Sport, Your Club” programme and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was officially opened by St Michael’s College Vice Principal, Cathal O’Connor and Enniskillen triathlete and Olympian, Gavin Noble who is the Chef de Mission for Team Ireland for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The contract was undertaken by Noel McQuaid and Son Ltd while the project architect was Eamon Monaghan of Monaghan Keys Architects, Irvinestown.

The management of the facility will be undertaken by St Michael’s College which will include bookings, either through the school or available through an app.

The track will be available for community use outside of school hours and subject to availability, the facility can be used by other schools during school hours. Full details of opening times and how to book are available on the St Michael’s College website.