In pictures: Cork NS campaigns to raise funds for astro-turf pitch

Mon, 16 Feb, 2026 - 17:05

John O'Shea

Knockavilla National School in Innishannon has officially launched its ‘Astro on the Hill’ fundraiser, the goal being the delivery of an all-weather playing facility for the school.

School principal Ronán Collins, said that when in place the astro-turf pitch will be a community facility that can be used by local sorts clubs. The launch of the exciting project brought together pupils and their families, staff and supporters of the school with local political representatives also among those in attendance.

The fundraising campaign, which will run until October, will see a number of events and various child led initiatives taking place throughout the year.

Kevin Canty and John Lynch of Glen Valley Rovers present Knockavilla National School principal Rónan Collins with a cheque for €2,500 to help kick-start the fundraising campaign.

The official launch event also marked the opening of the online donation page and the start of the school’s first fundraising event.

This will be a first goal prediction fundraiser for the upcoming Ireland v Czechia football match, which will no doubt bring added interest to Ireland's upcoming World Cup playoff.

Councillor Alan Coleman, Mary Margaret Desmond, John Lynch, and Pádraig O’Reilly at the launch.

Mr Collins, who was the manager of the Cork City Football Club women’s first team from 2018 to 2021, told The Echo that an astro turf pitch would be of huge benefit to students and staff alike.

“We are a rural and very much outdoor school. The big issue that we have is for a large part of the year, the pitch is not accessible. The amount of play space we have during the winter months is very little and very limited.," said Mr Collins.

Pupils Muireann Mulqueen, Ríona Hickey, and Sean Cronin holding their handmade signs aloft at the launch of fundraising campaign.

“At the moment, the school pitch is probably only playable up until October. Then from November to March and sometimes even into April, it is not playable. So, it is only really open during the summer holidays, whereas we want to use it during the school time."

He said having an astro truf pitch would mean that play space is totally open to pupils all year round.

Pupils from Knockavilla National School at the launch of their ‘“Astro on the Hill’ fundraising campaign.

“The aim of the fundraiser is to provide that accessibility for the children.

"We are also really lucky in the school that we have really good connections with the clubs locally. The astro turf pitch is something that they will be able to use in the evenings as a community.