Ballincollig GAA club push forward with ambitious upgrade in challenging times

As part of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, Hourihan Sportsfield Developments were permitted to return to work on an all-weather training surface. They’ll progress later this summer to installing a second floodlit sand-based pitch at the club complex.

Walsh believes they are fortunate to have a driven development committed headed up by Seamus O’Brien, whose son Michael led the footballers to a breakthrough senior county in 2014.

Revenue streams like the Golf Classic, the Belle of Ballincollig Festival, the juvenile collection and teenage discos, which were revived by Derry O’Connor and Martin O’Sullivan and have been a huge success in recent years, are all on hold. The club bar is currently shut and they've been forced to cancel the annual Cúl Camp. Sports capital grants will undoubtedly be a challenge in an altered sporting landscape.

“The club lotto is available again online and that was vital for us. It’s working well”

“The reality is our club population is greater than some villages but that brings its own challenges. The current committee was put in a very strong position by previous groups, loans had been cleared and it allowed us to be ambitious.

“And we have to be looking even further into the future and that will mean providing a proper gym and better changing room facilities. This is the start of something and we’re staying positive even in a very strange time.”

“If you’re standing still people will pass you out. When it’s safe to return, I think we’re ready as a club to stay on the front foot.”
