Staunton opens sports facility after gun drama

Republic of Ireland soccer manager Steve Staunton today put the troubles of the last 24 hours behind him to unveil a new €100,000 sports facility in inner city Dublin.

The centre at Oliver Bond House, a flat complex near the Liberties, includes all-weather multi-purpose pitches for football, basketball and tennis.

Staunton, who was threatened by a man at gunpoint outside the team hotel in Portmarnock last night, spent time with local children signing autographs and posing for photographs.

He was joined at the launch by Lord Mayor of Dublin Vincent Jackson.

“I am delighted to see the city council is enhancing sporting facilities within housing complexes,” Lord Mayor Jackson said.

“This pitch in Oliver Bond House will provide users with a safe and secure environment in which to play, have some fun and develop skills which could see them playing for Ireland in the future.”

The games area was delivered under the RAPID programme, set up to fast-track infrastructural and community facilities in disadvantaged areas. Over the past 18 months two playgrounds have been built under the scheme at Oliver Bond.

The 750m sq facility includes four mini-goals which allow two matches to be played at the same time across the width of the pitch. Tennis, basketball and volleyball can also be played.

It was co-funded by Dublin City Council and the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.