Club Development Update

Club Development Update

March 30, 2021


30th March 2021


Hello Everyone! 

Hope everyone is keeping safe and well.

Following the positive news from the Government surrounding the gradual easing of Public Health Restrictions over the coming weeks including the return of outdoor sports training for children (U18) from April 26th, now is as good a time as any to give an update on the progress of the ongoing Club Development.


The difficulties the Covid-19 Pandemic has brought to the GAA world and the disruption it has brought to our games and finances over the past 12 months have been well documented. While this has been a trying time for the organisation, our Club embarked on the construction phase of our Development Project in the early stages of the crisis, a project which commenced back in 2018. The completion of the first phase (4G All Weather Pitch with Floodlights) of the Club Development in July 2020 was a significant achievement and a very good news story for our Club during a difficult year.


The Club Development Committee comprising of Development Chairman Séamus O’Brien, Garret Harrington, Edward Power, Brian Costello, Martin O’Brien and former Club Chairman David Walsh continue to work on the project and have been joined by our new Club Chairman Brendan Murphy.

The Development Committee recognises the many individuals and groupings in the Club, and outside the Club, that contributed significantly to the project, investing their time, skill and hard work. There are many. The rewards of the project would not have been realised without all of these contributors. Thank you to each and every one of those contributors.


In early 2020 our Club Development Project contract was awarded to Hourihan Sports Developments after competitive tender. Work commenced on the 4G All Weather Pitch on the 16th March, however following some early progress the project was stopped after only two weeks work due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. On the 18th May Hourihans returned to site and handed over to the Club a completed 4G All Weather Floodlit Pitch on the 9th July 2020. This is a fantastic facility for all in our Club and one which every person connected with our Club should be extremely proud of.


Our new 4G All Weather Floodlit Pitch 4 looking splendid in the late March sunshine. Many thanks to Irish Droneworks for the photo.


As mentioned earlier there are many who contributed to this project and continue to contribute to the project. With any Development finance is key and with this in mind the Club wishes to publicly thank the people who provided Interest Free Loans over 10 years for the purpose of the Development. These monies were instrumental in getting the project started. It gave great confidence to the Development Committee as it embarked on the project. Thank you.


Last summer the Club decided to explore the possibility of getting companies to sponsor Pitch Signage on the new 4G Pitch. A small Fundraising Committee was set up which Development Committee Member, Garret Harrington chaired and included Frank McCarthy, Edward Power, Kevin Murphy, Senan Power and Vincent O’Sullivan. The reduced Public Health Restrictions during the summer months last year allowed the Committee to meet in person. The task was not easy - to approach businesses in the middle of the Global Pandemic seeking sponsorship money was a big ask. Nevertheless the Committee were determined to give it their best shot and set about diligently working on it. The response from businesses was unbelievable and totally exceeded the Committee’s expectations. A whopping 16 businesses came on board to sponsor Pitch Signage over a 10 year period. This commitment provides the Club Development with income over the next 10 years. In 2020 a significant income from the signage on the 4G Pitch was collected due to some companies very generously paying upfront for their signs. The Club would like to publicly thank the companies listed below who sponsored the Pitch Signage. Thank you.


Ken O’Connell Electrical

O’Neill’s Decorative Stone - Finbarr O’Neill Ltd.

McGinn Tuition Centre

Harrington’s Pharmacy

O’Crualaoí Butchers, Delicatessen & Party Catering

AMS Group - All Maintenance Services

Healy Family Honey

Ross Oil

The Anglers Carrigrohane

ODG - O’Doherty Gahan Business & Tax Advisory

Blackwater Motors - Audi Cork

O’Flynn Group

O’Connell Stone

Brian Long Solicitors

Murnane O’Shea Ltd.

 

The Club also wishes to thank Crowley Funeral Directors who generously sponsored the footpath which starts from the entrance to the new Sand Based Pitch 3 and continues behind our new 4G Pitch on Pitch 4.


In July work commenced on Pitch 3 where a new Sand Based Pitch will be delivered in the very near future. The ground and drainage works are complete and we are happy to report that the drainage is working perfectly. As many will have noticed there is a lush covering of grass now visible on the surface and a number of cuttings have taken place in 2021. The goalmouths of Pitch 3 will be finished in a 4G surface. Once restrictions allow, the goalposts will be installed and the pitch will be lined by Hourihans, ready for play in May. Attention will then focus on the delivery of floodlighting to the facility.


A Sports Capital Grant Application has been submitted to assist in the provision of floodlights for the new Sand Based Pitch 3. The Development Committee have also pencilled in a date in August as the Official Opening of Pitch 3 and Pitch 4. This event will obviously be dependant on the Public Health Restrictions in place at the time but fingers crossed it will proceed as planned.


There is much work still to be undertaken to ensure the delivery of the full project but together we will build our future. Ní neart go cur le chéile.


Have A Great Easter & Stay Well,


Brian Costello
Development Committee