'We are blown away': Cork community raises funds to repair storm damage at club in just two days 

A Cork GAA club, which had launched a public appeal for financial support to help repair damage caused to the grounds during Storm Agnes, has met its fundraising target in just two days.

Storm Agnes swept across Cork on Wednesday and left a significant mark on the grounds at Whitechurch GAA club.

Not only were the fences and support structures at the grounds damaged but the club was left needing to remove and replace the ball stoppers and nets at the school end of Pitch One.

“Storm Agnes left her mark on Whitechurch, with lots of our neighbours suffering from fallen trees and debris. It was only when we got back to the club in the late afternoon that we realised that one of the massive pylons behind the goal had also been snapped like a twig. There was also significant damage to the fencing and support structures, as well as a hole in the turf,” explained Jonathon Healy, PRO of the club.

On Thursday, Whitechurch GAA launched an appeal to the local community to help fund repairs for the damages.

The club set up a GoFundMe and asked local businesses and members of the community to help them raise €5,000 to help to return the main pitch to its former glory.

Whitechurch GAA was "blown away" to reach that target just two days later. 

“We have been absolutely blown away by the response from the community to our urgent appeal. As it was not an expense for which we could have budgeted, without support we would have faced a huge battle to return our main pitch to its original condition," said Mr Healy adding, “we can now expedite planning and repair work."

Volunteers were onsite this morning to help make the grounds safe for a game tomorrow. 

"Even in these awful conditions (this morning), we have volunteers out making the ball catchers safe for a Rockbán championship game tomorrow,” said Mr Healy.

"Whitechurch is lucky to have such a connected and generous group of locals. Milé búiochas gach éinne," he added.