As we conclude on another eventful year in the club the Executive Committee of the Club would like to update members on some planned infrastructure improvements in our club and the current status of the HSE contract with the Club for the use of our hall as a vaccination centre.

Planned Football Infrastructure Improvements.

1. Front pitch spectator fencing and spectator standing area -These items have been contracted and the fencing has been ordered. Works will commence in the first quarter of the year. This improvement will improve the spectator comfort and safety for both spectators and players on the front pitch.
2. All Weather pitch upgrade– Members familiar with the all-weather pitch will know the surface is well past its best and the carpet needs to be replaced. We are at the final stages of the tender process for the resurface of the playing pitch and replacement of the boundary plywood walls. Works to commence early 2023.
3. Install new flood lighting on Juvenile Pitches, upgrade existing lighting on front to match quality and upgrade main pitch lighting to more energy efficient bulbs. These items are subject to Planning permission. Planning Permission has been applied for and we expect a decision in early 2023.
4. Provide ball stop nets on Juvenile Pitches. Ball stop netting on the housing boundary side of the pitches requires modification. Further netting to be purchased to run alongside of bottom pitch boundary.
5. Modify existing viewing area on Main Pitch and realign traffic flow to improve safety. This work will involve moving the spectator viewing supports on the terrace area and other ground works to improve traffic flow for the safety of all patrons.

Financing the infrastructure improvements.

The club has secured funding of €89,000 under the Sports Capital Grant 2022 Scheme. These funds can be used to finance some of the items above ie items 1 and 3. The balance of the items will need to be financed from Club resources.

The Club Executive has reviewed the balance of items and concluded that they are vital improvements for the Club to meet the needs of a growing club into the future.

To meet the significant cost of the balance of items not covered by the Sports Capital Grant 2022 the Club Executive has taken the difficult decision to agree to a HSE request to extend the lease of the Club hall for a further 12 months from 1st of January 2023.

This was not an easy decision as we understand the hall is an important part of the club’s infrastructure which members use, especially in the winter months. In considering the HSE request the Executive concluded that the lease offers an opportunity to finance many vital football infrastructure improvements for the club over the short-term that would otherwise not be feasible for many years or at all.

The Executive of the Club would like to acknowledge and thank members of the club for their patience and understanding with the continued use of our hall by the HSE. The Club were in the fortunate position to be able to offer the use of our facility to the HSE throughout a difficult period for the country and we realise this has had an impact on our members.

Since the initial agreement with the HSE we have secured the return of dressing rooms, bar, Round Tower room & front lobby. The HSE have also agreed for upgrade works to be carried out in the kitchen area.

To date the club has been able to upgrade the gym and finish the new juvenile pitches with the assistance of HSE funds and in 2023 we will see additional benefits through improved facilities for our Juvenile and Adult footballers and the safety of all patrons of the club.

For more information on the proposed changes please see the architectural drawings which are posted on the wall beside the Club House main entrance if you would like to review them.

If you would like more information or would like to discuss the future development of our club please come along to the AGM on Friday 9th December 2022 at 8.00pm