Famous Mayo sports venue gets 'amazing' new lease of life

The Sports Park at Horkan's Hill, Westport, is looking amazing after the addition of a tartan track.

Local Councillor Peter Flynn said huge credit must go to the committee - "particularly Lisa and Mairead for their perserverance from the financing, right through to project completion."

He continued: "I allocated a good portion of our council discretionary fund to the project this year and last year given its cross community/club benefit and it's availability to people of every age and ability.

"It is a great example of clubs working together to deliver for everyone.

"Time to dust down the runners and get back on track."

The Sports Park, the home of Westport United FC for a number of decades, was officially opened on June 27, 1953, when an Everton XI played a Johnny Carey XI.

The site had been developed by the club after purchasing it from the Marquess of Sligo.

Major renovation works took place at the venue in the early 1980s and it reopened on July 23, 1983, when a Manchester United selection played a Connacht selection.