Ray and Packie prove a winner for Rangers
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THE DAY Packie Bonner and Ray Houghton visited the Gorey Rangers grounds will live long in the memories of the young players at the club who went along last week to see the official opening of the new clubhouse at Ramstown.
The sporting heroes signed everyone's autograph they were asked for, and chatted with club members during the visit of top FAI officials to the club last week.
FAI CEO John Delaney officially opened the club's new dressing rooms, gym and referee's room, and also officially opened the pitch which has been in use for several years.
The new facility was paid for by club fundraising, the club lotto, and a National Lottery grant.
Club Chairman Joe Cullen said there was a great turnout on the day. The under-12s played the Wexford Academy, in an exhibition match. The teams were led onto the pitch by piper Tom Doyle, and were introduced to the FAI officials and Gorey Mayor Robert Ireton before the game. Packie and Ray then kicked the game off, and it ended in a 1-1 draw.
John Delaney unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion and presented the club with a portrait of the new Aviva Stadium. Joe said they were delighted with how the day went. 'We couldn't have asked for better,' he said. ' The weather was even lovely for us.'
He said that the club's sights are now set on developing a second pitch at the grounds, and urged locals to continue to support their fundraising efforts.
