Bangor RF&CC has taken the decision to carry out the first phase of its clubhouse upgrade at Upritchard Park, with work recently completed to refurbish the bar serving area on the first floor.

Commenting on this, Bangor RF&CC Chairman Mark Thallon said “the Clubs Management Committee are conscious of the age of the clubhouse and facilities we provide for our members and guests, whilst we have great support from the membership we are conscious that now is the time to start reinvesting in the off pitch side of the club.

We have recently been successful in conjunction with Ulster Rugby for a Levelling Up Fund application to upgrade our changing room facilities to make them more inclusive for youth and women sport and a planning application will be submitted later in the year to allow us to get this progressed.

The work to the bar has seen a full refurbishment of the bar counter and servery area and we are pleased to have worked with a local Bangor firm, Aspire Create, who we appointed to carry out the work with a focus on upgrading the electrics to provide more energy efficient solutions. We hope to outline further investment in our facilities over the next year as both rugby and cricket look to deliver a high-quality product both on and off the pitch with over 500 active members in youth and senior levels across both sections.”

Iain Kennedy rugby Chairman said, “we understand it is important to deliver a great off field environment and the club is working hard to provide a more modern environment for members to enjoy their pre and post match drinks and we are excited to have this in place for the start of our 1st XVs AIL campaign and hopefully Ireland’s success during the World Cup in France”

Peter McIlwaine cricket Chairman said “this investment backs up the great success we have seen on the field this year and the growth in membership across all sections is allowing the Club to invest further in the clubhouse at an exciting time for all sections in the club.”

Photo L-R: Drew Kennedy (Club President), Demi Leigh Brooks and Rachel Shivers (bar staff), Mark Thallon (Club Chairman), Neil Irvine and Chris Dalglish (Aspire Create)