A new tartan running track has officially opened at St Michael's College Enniskillen, boosting the facilities for the local community.

Approximately £210,000 was invested to deliver a 400 metre six-lane running track at the school playing fields on Cherrymount Link Road, featuring an eight-lane sprint track that meets the standard set down for accreditation by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

This project was developed with a partnership between St Michael's College, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Sport NI. The contract was undertaken by Noel McQuaid and Son Ltd while the project architect was Eamon Monaghan of Monaghan Keys Architects, Irvinestown.

Speaking about the new track, Cathal O'Connor, Vice Principal of St Michael's College said: "The pride that we have in St. Michael's College at being able to offer this facility to benefit not only our pupils and the pupils of neighbouring schools is made all the greater by being able to open our doors to welcome people from all across the community here in Fermanagh, Omagh and beyond."

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The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Councillor Errol Thompson also spoke at the official opening, adding: "Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to working in partnership with other stakeholders to improve the quality of life of all the residents of the district. This project is a perfect example of how public sector partnership can deliver first class facilities and enhance the provision of services for residents in the district.

"The track will be a tremendous addition, not only to the superb sports facilities already available here at the school, but will also benefit the wider community in Enniskillen and wider afield, serving as an excellent community resource.

"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is proud to be a co funder of this project."

The running track, which was jointly funded by Sport NI through funding from the 'Your Sport, Your Club' programme and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was officially opened by St Michael's College Vice Principal, Cathal O'Connor and Enniskillen triathlete and Olympian, Gavin Noble who is the Chef de Mission for Team Ireland for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Chairman of Sport NI, George Lucas commented: "Sport NI is proud to support such an excellent facility via the Your School Your Club initiative. Running has increased in popularity in recent years, and has been of particular benefit to people coping with the pandemic restrictions of lockdown. This partnership between the School and Council will not only improve the quality of athletics at St Michael's College, but also be a valuable community asset to encourage and improve sporting opportunities for the people of Fermanagh & Omagh."