SLIDESHOW: Academy officially open new hockey pitches

It was a red letter day for Ballymena Academy last week as the school officially opened its stunning new hockey pitches.
Former Ireland international and Great Britain Player of the Year Margaret Gleghorne cuts a ribbon to mark the official opening of the new hockey pitch which is names after her. Included is Head of PE at Ballymena Academy Diane McNeil, school principal Mrs Stephen Black (left) and chairman of the Board of Governors James McKervill. INBT 47-191CSlFormer Ireland international and Great Britain Player of the Year Margaret Gleghorne cuts a ribbon to mark the official opening of the new hockey pitch which is names after her. Included is Head of PE at Ballymena Academy Diane McNeil, school principal Mrs Stephen Black (left) and chairman of the Board of Governors James McKervill. INBT 47-191CSl
Former Ireland international and Great Britain Player of the Year Margaret Gleghorne cuts a ribbon to mark the official opening of the new hockey pitch which is names after her. Included is Head of PE at Ballymena Academy Diane McNeil, school principal Mrs Stephen Black (left) and chairman of the Board of Governors James McKervill. INBT 47-191CSl

The superb new facilities include competition level flood-lit multi-purpose playing surfaces, outdoor gym and a state of the art conditioning suite.

The complex was officially opened by ex Academy pupil Margaret Gleghorne, a former captain of the Ireland hockey side, and the 1983 UK Hockey Player of the Year.

Also in attendance were a number of former pupils of the Galgorm Road school who gained international honours in the sport.