Ferns out in force for 'Festival of Football'
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IRISH SOCCER legends Packie Bonner and Ray Houghton were the star attractions among the FAI entourage that visited Ferns United last week.
Over 200 people were out in force for the visit of two of Ireland's former World Cup heroes, who were kept very busy signing autographs and posing for photographs.
The visit to Ferns was part of the FAI's 'Festival of Football' and there was plenty to admire out at the pitch in Clone, where up to 70 kids were in action on the astroturf pitches, while on the main pitch there was an exhibition match between Wexford's under14 girls team and their counterparts from Waterford.
Though the new grounds were officially opened by Paul McGrath back in 2005, the FAI delegation, led by President David Blood and Chief Executive John Delaney, decided to have a look at the impressive facilities for themselves, with the astro-turf alone costiing in the region of €250,000.
The grounds in Clone are the tenth home that Ferns United has had (and Clone is also where they started off ), but they are in this one to stay.
Like any good guest the FAI did not arrive empty-handed either, presenting the club with a framed photo of the new Aviva Stadium, a plaque to commemorate the occasion and a few bob in the form of a small grant.
Ferns currently has five senior teams, three men's and two women's, and eleven underage teams. Since forming its first women's side some eight years ago, Ferns UNited have gone on to set the standards in the women's game in Wexford.
- CONOR CULLEN
