THE front lawns of Belfast City Hall were transformed into a GAA pitch yesterday as dozens of children got the chance to showcase their sporting talents.
A mini Gaelic football and hurling tournament was held in the grounds of the landmark building with boys and girls from four Belfast clubs taking part.
The teams taking part included St Enda's, St Teresa's, Lamh Dhearg and Carryduff with the children, who were all aged in the Under-8 category, receiving medals for participating in the tournament.
The event was part of a range of activities running all week on the front lawns to coincide with lord mayor Nicholla Mallon's theme of opening up city hall and its grounds to the public.
Gerry McAllister, whose son Michael (7) was part of the St Enda's team, said it had been a "fantastic experience".
"It's good to see them play games in the grounds of City Hall, it was really well received," he said.
"It's the first time that it has been held at City Hall and there was a lot of interest from people passing by."
As part of her drive to open up city hall, which also includes plans to remove the gates around the building, Ms Mallon, inset, launched four days of fitness for people
across Belfast with workouts which include tai chi, pilates, yoga or dance.
Ms Mallon said she was especially keen to "encourage young people into exercise".
She added: "It's another fun step forward in my drive to open up City Hall and the great thing is it can help improve our city's health by helping people find an exercise they like and are happy to continue".
* QUEEN VICTORI-GAH:
Young members of St Enda's GAC, Glengormley and Carryduff GAC enjoy the fun during yesterday's mini GAA games at Belfast City Hall. St Teresa's and Lamh Dhearg were also represented
PICTURES: Hugh Russell