What a result…

Yes, work will start almost IMMEDIATELY on the Club’s All Weather Pitch (57 x 38.5 metres with nets and lights) which was made possible today by the decision to award the Club €141,000 from the Sport Capital Grant fund.

This is a gamechanger with regards to training, year round training and an added revenue stream for further developments.  This all bodes very well.

Firstly, I would like to thank a number of people and politicians who personally canvassed on behalf of the Club and our Community.  They were all able to visualise the potential and community direction that the Club was taking, which made the argument an easy sell.

To An Taoiseach Simon Harris who has visited us twice over the past few years and planned to turn the sod on our Club House, but other pressing concerns developed which kept him away.  However, he forwarded his best wishes and apologies.  I know that Simon had his eye on our grant application and helped ensure the Club had a successful application.

To Minster Steven Matthews of the Green Party who was only a few months ago out at our Field Day and who has been an incredible supporter of the Club, helping us with grants (especially our initial Sports Capital Grant successful appeal for €150K), buying Horses for our Race Night and getting behind the Club when our Coffee Shop was broken into.  And then these past few months lobying Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin on the Club’s behalf.  Steven, my immense and deep appreciation for all the support you have truly delivered for our Club and our Community.  We are indebted.

To local Councillor Avril Cronin who has been an incredible local supporter of the Club and its community focused direction, always at our social events and who helped ensure our Sports Capital Grant application was to the forefront of An Taoiseach’s mind over the past few weeks.  Thank you Avril.

I quick mention to former Councillor Jim Ruttle who also had a hand in helping our application.  Thank you to Jim and Kathryn Ruttle.

Finally, to all the supporters of the Club, Coaches and the Committee – I lead the way and the strategic direction of the Club, but I can only do so much and anytime I pick up the phone to someone for help, be it financial, resources or time – its never a question, but an accommodation.

Thank you all.

Diarmuid Haughian

Cathaoirleach, Cill Bhride CLG