The development of all-weather soccer and multiuse facilities in Limerick has been lauded by the manager of the Republic of Ireland women's senior team.

Noel King officially opened the Abbeyfeale Mini-Pitch, one of five such facilities to be developed at separate locations throughout Co Limerick, yesterday.

Mini-pitches have already been developed at Hospital, Cappamore and Rathkeale, while a fifth in Patrickswell is scheduled for completion in early June.

Limerick County Council has teamed up with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to develop the facilities in each Electoral Area, as part of the UEFA/FAI Hat Trick mini-pitch scheme.

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The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism offered €35,000 per pitch to develop small sized all-weather pitches.

Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager, said: "Limerick County Council is delighted to be able to work in partnership with the FAI in developing these facilities and looks forward to seeing them contribute to the development of soccer in the towns concerned and in the wider community."

The council last year signed a €623,500 contract with Emerald Pitch Developments Ltd, of Clonbullogue, Edenderry, Co Offaly, for the provision of the Astroturf pitches.

"This new facility will help the local community in Abbeyfeale and surrounding areas use sport, and soccer in particular, to address real issues such as active citizenship, obesity and social inclusion," said Josephine Cotter Coughlan, the council's Director of Services.

(PR/JM)