(JJ Hurley)
Kinsale GAA’s ambitious plans are full steam ahead
Kinsale GAA’s ambitious plans for the development of new facilities are set to get underway as Board Pleanála has given the green light for plans for seventy homes on its existing grounds at Bandon Road.
In what has been an anxious time for the Seaside club as they awaited the decision for the statutory body to make the important ruling.
The relief for the club was expressed by the club chairman, Ger Webb, “Park Developments, Dublin, that purchased our existing grounds have secured full planning permission for housing on our grounds at Bandon Road.
“This is a watershed date for our club as it ensures the progression for Kinsale GAA to our new facility.
“We have been waiting for this day for a few years, a really great day for all of us,” Ger said.
The new development is literally a puck of a sliotar or the kick of a football across the road from their current home at Jack Barrett Memorial Park.
Having had to wait on the sideline until Monday’s announcement the project is expected to start in earnest as works get underway with an archaeological survey set to be carried out on the new grounds.
During that period a tendering process will be launched to secure a contractor to undertake the project
The initial phase will focus on playing facilities, as the club proposes establishing three sand-based pitches, which are expected to be playable by the spring of 2026, with further support facilities to follow as outlined in its planning details.
Having more access to better facilities, Ger suggests “ a focus on quality playing surfaces and in time an aspiration to create a GAA centre of excellence that could accommodate any high level team that chooses to hold a training camp in Kinsale,”
It’s certainly an ambitious target but the club has already proven it is well capable to mobilise its 1600 plus members to meet the challenges that the new project will bring.
“We are under no illusion that it's now the work begins with fund raising and asking all to "put their shoulder to the wheel,” Ger said.
The club, which has recently had significant success with its lady footballers, has been less fortunate with their male counterparts, who last lifted a county title in 2011.
However, green shoots have begun to emerge as the footballers have recorded three wins in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier Junior County Championship has seen them qualify for the knockout stages.
Outside the requirement of the club to fill its trophy cabinet the club is acutely aware of its social responsibility and the increase population in the town and providing the necessary facilities is crucial for the aim.
“Kinsale GAA belongs to the community, and this is our strength,” Ger said.
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