5 February – Blessing of the new Armagh County Grounds – Athletic Grounds, Armagh

We are about to bless this magnificent new stand and grounds.  I congratulate all those who put it here and especially the Armagh County Board led by Paul Duggan and Paddy Nugent.

As we do so we praise God for many things – for the enjoyment of sport – for giving us so many people in Armagh and in the GAA in particular – who are prepared to work to provide facilities like this stand for the benefit of the community.  In this blessing we ask God’s protection on all who will come here that it may be a good experience.  

We are here to thank God for our health and mental well-being and for all the enjoyment which, in the days to come, and tonight in particular, comes from our games.

We are here to congratulate and thank all those who played a part in the provision of this stand and to hope that there will be many to follow in their steps by giving of their time and talents to improve and enhance the games.

Finally, let us hope for a fine game of football as we welcome the Dublin team and their supporters.