PHOTOS:

Owen Duggan starts off proceedings
The flier advertsing the 'Big Day'
John Luke looks back
John Evans cuts the tape
The sign that now says it all
The first game of the special day

It was a unique day for Fishguard Sports AFC as the club officially moved from its base at St Mary’s Field  as it opened its new pitch and training room facilities at Tregroes Park.

A host of club officials, supporters, guests, and players past and present were in attendance for the official unveiling, and afterwards were able to enjoy a bar and BBQ and watch the first games on the new surface.

Owain is ‘honoured’ to be involved

Fishguard Chairman Owain Duggan, who has been instrumental in keeping the club running in recent years, welcomed everyone in attendance, and said it was an “honour” to be involved in what was a celebration for not just the club but the community as a whole.

He explained how the club has first purchased the field in 1991, and while there had been many difficulties since in terms of securing grants and other issues, he said: “I want to thank the trustees of the club for their vision all those years ago.

“There were times we doubted today would happen but we were determined and got there in the end.”

Deserved special mentions

Owain explained how the club had needed to raise £25,000 to press on with the project, but had done so via grants from the Cita Trust and Sport Wales.

He expressed his gratitude to all the club members and committee men who had worked tirelessly over the summer to ensure things were ready on time, notably club vice Chairman Matthew Lamb, Nigel Davies, Gary Delaney and Gareth ‘Gaffa’ Thomas, secretary Steve Jones and all sponsors and contractors.

There was also a special mention for one of the club’s founder members, Phil Davies, who despite being in his 90s was present for the grand opening.

John Luke looks back

John Luke also addressed the crowd, and explained the process which led to himself, Nigel Davies and the late Ron Harries purchasing the field, and praised Councillor Sian James for her work in securing the new clubhouse. He added that there “were too many voluntary workers to mention” who had helped with the project, and praise Owain for his work in keeping the club running.

Mickey Phillips, Treasurer of the Pembrokeshire Football League was also in attendance to offer his support, and after the speeches were finished, it was left to another instrumental figure in the history of Fishguard Sports, John Evans, to officially cut the tape and declare the new pitch open.

A number of junior boys, girls, and disability matches then took place before the club’s first XI got off to the perfect start in their new home, beating Saundersfoot Sports 5-2 in Division Two.

And to round off a perfect day for the Sports, the Second XI followed that up with a 3-1 success over Letterston in their later kick off in Division Four.