44 | THE LOCAL TOURIST


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Irish FA Announces Plans for National Football Centre


Maarch 2025


ARMAGH FESTIVAL RETURNS TO HONOUR OUR PATRON SAINT


THE Irish Football Association today confirmed details of its plans to create a new state-of-the-art, multi-million pound National Football Centre as part of a significant strategic investment which will inspire a new generation to reach their full potential.


Located on a 50-acre site opposite the renowned Galgorm near Ballymena, the new facility expects to feature world-class pitches and cutting-edge training facilities, fully realising the association’s ambition to create a project that will become the beating heart of Northern Ireland’s football community, supporting both elite and grassroots players. A range of potential opportunities were explored across the country and, following a comprehensive review of all the options, Galgorm was chosen as the most compelling, best-fit opportunity to develop the facility. Confirmation of the plans represent the


Irish FA’s long-standing strategic priority to create a facility that will nurture elite talent, support youth development and bolster team performance. It is also designed to serve Northern Ireland’s international squads whilst aiming to support the charitable and community activities of the Irish FA Foundation, and marks a bold investment in the future of the game.


Ballygally Castle Celebrates 400 Years with Major Investment Announced


Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood underscored the project’s far-reaching impact. He said: “Realising this project will significantly benefit our teams and players, creating an impressive football campus and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. “We anticipate the National Football Centre being a bespoke, world-class facility with a distinct Northern Ireland identity, serving players of all ages, both male and female, while also benefiting the local community and grassroots football.” The collaboration with Galgorm reflects a shared vision of excellence and innovation. Colin Johnston, Managing Director of Galgorm, emphasised the significance of the partnership. He said: “This exciting announcement marks the partnership of two major global brands which are united by a shared commitment to excellence and to supporting our communities. “We’re immensely proud to be playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in Northern Ireland, supporting the success of our national teams while fostering growth at every level of the game.”


The facility will complement the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast, creating a dual campus set-up to strengthen Northern Ireland’s football infrastructure. Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson highlighted the meticulous planning behind the initiative. He explained: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Projects like this don’t happen overnight, and this is the result of significant strategic thinking. “We have been able to amass capital funding over a long period to make this vision a reality, and we look forward to working with our partners at Galgorm in the coming years.”


TO celebrate 400 years of Ballygally Castle, the hotel has announced that it is due to complete a £400,000 investment programme later this month ahead of a programme of events and festivities which are set to take place throughout 2025.


Included in the most recent investment from Hastings Hotels, is the renovation of 18 Coastal Rooms and the Antrim Suite, including new carpets from Ulster Carpets and fabrics and furnishings throughout. The castle’s private dining space, the 1625 Room, has been renovated, and the lounge furniture has been upgraded. Over the last six decades, Hastings


Hotels has invested over £8m in the beautiful coastal property to transform it into a luxurious castle hotel, whilst respecting the history of the original building and ensuring the upkeep of the distinctive character and position as Northern Ireland’s only 17th century building still being used as a residence today.


The centre is designed to inspire the next generation of footballers, providing a platform for excellence at every level of the game. The project has also received resounding support from Northern Ireland’s senior international managers. Michael O’Neill, Northern Ireland senior men’s team manager,


said: “This new


national football centre will help the current international teams prepare for games better than ever. “It will also inspire our future international stars on their journey in football from a young age. High quality pitches where coaches and players can work are essential for creating a high performance environment and strong identity across all age groups.” Tanya Oxtoby, Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager,


added: “This


initiative reaffirms our commitment to developing top tier facilities and resources for our players. It strengthens our culture of excellence and high performance.” With the design phase under way, the Irish


FA is working to secure statutory permissions and initiate procurement and construction. It is anticipated that the centre will open its doors in 2028, marking a pivotal moment in Northern Ireland’s football legacy.


ARMAGH City – the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and the only city in the world with two cathedrals dedicated to St Patrick – is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors for its Home of St Patrick Festival. The week-long celebration, taking place from March 9th to March 17th, will honour the life and legacy of the island’s patron saint with an exciting lineup of music, art, theatre, and cultural experiences that promise to captivate and inspire. Steeped in history, Armagh is uniquely connected to St Patrick, who established his first stone church in the city in 445AD. The iconic City provides the perfect backdrop to understand why he brings such meaning to people here, and the profound influence he left on the culture and heritage of this island. One of the most significant events in the Festival’s programme is the Vigil Walk. The torch-led walk takes place on Sunday 16th at 7.30pm and connects Armagh’s two breathtaking Cathedrals – St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral – in a symbolic reflection of St Patrick’s own journey to unite people through Christianity.


Guided walking tours of the Cathedrals and surrounding areas will also take place throughout the Festival and offer insights into why St Patrick chose Armagh to build his first stone church, along with stories, myths, and legends from his time here. On St Patrick’s morning, March 17th, Navan Centre and Fort will explore what drew the Saint to the area to build his first church as


it hosts its Dawn Light event. Through drama and live music, the event will bring to life the ancient story of St Patrick’s arrival, and how he asked the local chieftain, Daire, for the Hill of the Sallows to build a church. Organised by the local community, the festivities will culminate with Armagh’s iconic parade on the 17th. Starting early afternoon, the parade will begin at the Christian Brothers’ School, joyously weaving its way through the city, pleasing onlookers with music, entertainment, and colourful displays. Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy, Armagh


City, Banbridge and Craigavon


Borough Council, said, “The Home of St Patrick Festival is one of the island’s premier cultural and historical events, and we’re delighted to welcome visitors to Armagh once again. St Patrick began his mission here, and with two cathedrals named in his honour, our city offers an unparalleled connection to him. For local and international visitors looking to connect with Ireland’s heritage, there’s no better place to explore and celebrate the legacy of our patron saint. “This year’s festival features an exciting


mix of music, art, theatre, film, dance, and local food and drink, all celebrating St Patrick’s profound impact on Ireland and the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, interested in local culture, or seeking a family-friendly day out, the festival promises an authentic and immersive experience in the place St Patrick once called his ‘sweet little hill.’”


Tourism NI CEO to Step Down


TOURISM Northern Ireland CEO John McGrillen is to step down after 10 years in the post. Mr McGrillen, who joined Tourism


NI as CEO in July 2015, announced today that he will formally leave the role at the end of July following The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush. Tourism NI is responsible for the development of tourism in Northern Ireland, supporting the tourism industry and for marketing Northern Ireland as a tourist destination across the Island of Ireland. Mr McGrillen’s


exit from the organisation marks the end of a 30-year- career in the public sector in a number of high-profile leadership roles. During his tenure as CEO of Tourism


NI, Mr McGrillen oversaw the return of The Open to Northern Ireland in 2019, the first time in more than 60 years. He also played a pivotal role in the recovery of the local tourism industry from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tourism NI’s work in supporting


the sector through this period helped increase staycations and visitor numbers from the Republic of Ireland, resulting in the value of the industry to the Northern Ireland economy reaching £2.3bn in 2023/2024.


Mr McGrillen was previously the CEO


of Down District Council before joining Belfast City Council where, as Director of Development, he was responsible for overseeing the development of the ICC at the Waterfront Hall and for a number of


high-profile


events including the MTV Europe Music Awards and the Giro d’Italia. John McGrillen,


CEO of Tourism NI, said: “This summer I will have been CEO of Tourism NI for more than a decade. It has been a privilege to have been both a Board member and CEO. “It is a truly w o nd e r


f ul


organisation driven by


exceptional,


hardworking people who are determined to make a positive impact on this place we all call home. “Throughout my career in the public


sector, I have had the good fortune to work with many great teams and many brilliant people across the tourism industry. “The recently launched 10 Year Vision


and Action Plan for Tourism by Minister Murphy is a fantastic springboard which will steer tourism through the next decade, however I think this summer is the right time for me to step aside and let a new CEO lead Tourism NI into that new era.”


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