St. Comgall’s £8m dream moves ‘one step closer’
Thursday, 20 November 2008
GAA president Nickey Brennan with some of the local children set to benefit when the work is complete.
ST Comgall's GAA Club took a large step towards their ultimate dream when the Antrim County Board launched a formal planning application for the first leg of a three-phase Centre of Excellence development at Dunsilly in Antrim.
The overall project represents £8 million of investment with financial contributions from GAA headquarters, the Ulster Council, the Antrim County Board, St Comgall's club and fundraising body Club Aontroma.
St Comgall's have long been searching for a permanent home with top class facilities for the club, and with this in mind the club began a serious search for land a few years ago.
The club were fortunate in obtaining land from a generous support to whom, a club spokesman said this week, they are 'eternally indebted'.
At the same time the County Board were considering the feasibility of building a centre of excellence for the County.
With perfect timing St Comgall's were able to encourage the County to come aboard their project, and convince them of the suitability of the site and location.
To demonstrate their intent the local club launched a fund raising raffle, and tickets were sold throughout the length and breadth of the country, by a dedicated team of club raffle sellers.
“The club would like to thank all of our fellow Gaels in all parts of the country who supported our cause," said the spokesman.
“Doubtless we hope to be able to return the favour in the years to come."
Having convinced the County Board of their intent, St Comgall's and the County, supported by GAA headquarters, the Ulster Council and Club Aontroma, set about the task of ensuring that the plan came to fruition.
The Centre of Excellence project was launched earlier this year when the GAA President visited the town, and the planning application is the next step on the way towards the creation of a top class sporting facility in the town.
St Comgall's Club chairman Tommy Crilly echoed the delight of the local members, speaking last night about the 'huge potential' waiting to be tapped.
“It is a source of great pride to us all, that our Club's prolonged quest for facilities to match those of other sporting bodies in the Town will not only be finally realised, but that the new Club centre will be located within a state-of-the-art complex.
“We are especially proud that our County has chosen to join us in further extending our Town's reputation as one of the premier sporting centres on the island.
“In years to come, our young players will be able to train side by side with the elite athletes of our county and province. This is an exciting prospect for everyone involved."
At a meeting attended by local councillors earlier this month a 'few reservations' were raised - but 'hopefully dealt with'.
“The Centre of Excellence is not a stadium and so the fear of some 40,000 outside supporters descending on Dunsilly and disturbing the peace of the local residents is not a real one," said Mr Crilly.
“The fact that the facilities will be on offer to other sports organisations in the town should hopefully expediate a favourable response to the planning application.
“The completion of the centre of excellence would surely enhance the reputaion of the town as a location which boosts some of the best sporting facilities in the country.
“The town has two golf courses, the world renowned Antrim Forum complete with the athletics stadium, and a host of good facilties belonging to the rugby, hockey, soccer and cricket clubs.
“Throw in the water sports facilities available at the lough and the town can be proud of its top class facilities.
“These are exciting times for the club and the town. In the past season St Comgall's produced a championship winning U14 team, an improving U12 side, a gutsy and battling U16 team, and the seniors appear to have secured third place in the county league.
“With much work being done with underage hurling and camogie players, the future of the club appears to be in good hands.
“The acquisition of our own facilities can only enhance the club's prospects, and hopefully benefit the county as well.
“The fact that the facilities will benefit other sports organisations in the town is the icing on the cake, with future generations of Antrim residents being able to enhance their sporting prowess."
The club will be holding its AGM on Monday (November 24) at 8.30pm in the Parish Centre at St Comgall's.
“All those who wish to play a part in this exciting future are invited to attend," added Mr Crilly.
