THE sun shone brilliantly down in the Stradbally border country as the Kildare GAA family came together in droves for the opening of Castlemitchell's magnificent new grounds and pavilion on Monday evening writes John Roddy.

Leinster Council chairman Seamas Aldridge was on hand to do the honours, after the complex was blessed by Fr. Dennehy PP and Rev. Crampton.

The eight-acre grounds, comprising of two pitches and a clubhouse, entailed an expenditure of around £180,000, bringing to fruition a marvellous effort by the club and its development committee under the chairmanship of Michael. Sourke.

In a humorous address Aldridge recalled all the friends he has in Castlemitchell and recalled a period during his playing days when in the '60s when he hadn't quite so many friends in the area.

Perhaps the Leinster chairman summed it all up in one phrase' This is an awful proud day for you all!'

Other speakers included the county chairman Andrew O'Sullivan who complimented the club on its magnificent achievement in so short a period. He also noted the contribution of local players Christy Byrne and Tadhg Fennin to the county as well as that of club secretary Mick Fennin at county board level.

Long serving club chairman Liam Kelly, called on 'local boy' Jack Wall TD as the last speaker. Jack thanked all the local landowners that accommodated the club down the years.

He also noted the efforts of unsung heroes such as Tom Kelly and Phyllis Fennin who give up their Sunday nights in order to sell the club Lotto tickets in the local hostelries.

The club produced a magnificent programme, encompassing the history of an area and its people, for the ensuing senior football challenge between Kildare and Laois.

So many of the great Castlemitchell characters are in there, among them Tosh Hendy Jimmy Curtis, Tim Fennin, Stephen Fitzgerald, Maisie Candy, and Mary Prior and of course the terrible twins Tadhg and Christy.

Tadhg captained Kildare on the night and topped off a man of the match award winning performance with 0- 7 as Kildare got in some serious shooting practice for next Sunday' NFL Division Two semi final clash with Cork in Nenagh at 3pm.