Celebrating the announcement was Christy Todd and Kieran Keenaghan (Offaly Faithful Fields), John Carroll (Chairperson LOETB), Joe Cunningham (Chief Executive LOETB), Tony Dalton (Director of Further Education and Training Services LOETB).

LOETB announced as sponsor of Faithful Fields walkway

Published: Thu 31 May 2018, 5:03 PM

Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) has been named as the new sponsor of the Community Walkway and Training Rooms at the Faithful Fields for a ten-year term.

The agreement will be officially launched at the Faithful Fields on Saturday, June 16.

The agreement will see LOETB provide a financial contribution of €18,000 and a range of education and training supports for development squad players and inter-county players at the Training Centre.

Offaly GAA officially opened The Faithful Fields training facility in September 2017 and since then it has been a hive of activity with all Offaly Hurling and Football teams, from U13 Development Squads right up to senior teams, using the facilities on a regular basis.

In addition, the Camogie and Ladies Football inter county teams have used it on a regular basis, while the concluding stages of the Féile competitions have been played here. Furthermore, it has been used by Leinster Council and Croke Park to play colleges games in both hurling and football. The floodlit walking track is a focal point used regularly by the local community and visitors to the facility.

LOETB is a statutory provider of education and training to over 16,000 students in nine post primary schools and twelve Further Education and Training Centres across Laois and Offaly.

LOETB was established in July 2013 following the amalgamation of the VECs of Laois and Offaly and also has responsibility for all training services in Laois and Offaly following the dissolution of FÁS, also in 2013.

Chairperson of Offaly GAA Tommy Byrne said “The old saying a healthy mind demands a healthy body makes the partnership of Offaly GAA and LOETB a perfect fit.

Speaking at the announcement, LOETB Chief Executive Joe Cunningham said: “This relationship will allow Offaly GAA to deliver on its social contribution to the community and provide LOETB with an opportunity to raise the public awareness of our organisation and the programmes and services we provide."

“It is particularly apt that we are sponsoring the Community Walkway that is such an inclusive facility and an asset to the wider, as well as the GAA, community. Whether it is the parent making healthy use of their waiting time, the older person looking for a safe place for a leisurely walk, or the runners and walkers exercising mind and body, the new LOETB Community Walkway, just like education and training, is for everyone.

Chairperson of the Faithful Fields Development Committee Kieran Keenaghan added “The sponsorship by LOETB of the Walking Track at The Faithful Fields facility is very appropriate and welcome indeed. I am confident that the partnership will portray the message of both organisations and show how two community based organisations can come together for a mutually beneficial relationship.”