Carrigaline Rugby and Athletics launch fundraiser to support development of new home

CARRIGALINE Rugby Football Club have partnered with Carrigaline Athletics Club to launch a new fundraiser that will support the development of a new home for both clubs.

On Saturday September 23, they will host a fundraising event for a camper van worth €80,000. Tickets will be available this Saturday and will remain on sale until May 25, 2024. 

There are multiple ways to purchase tickets, such as the clubs' social media links, door to door sales and their respective websites. The price of the tickets will be €25 each.

The draw launch will take place at 10:30am on Saturday morning in the carpark of the SuperValu shopping centre in Carrigaline. All are welcome to come along and view the camper van, and those on the development committee will be there to answer questions regarding the upcoming development plans for the two clubs.

The Carrigaline Sports Partnership is a voluntary community-based team fundraising that will support the development of their 12-acre green field site in Killnagleary, Carrigaline.

The multi-purpose site, which received planning permission in 2022, is going to be directly supported by the camper van fundraiser. The draw offers an opportunity to further develop planning, while also providing excitement for those involved, and a chance to win a lucrative prize.

Jerome O’Sullivan, development committee chair commented on the draw; “There is so much goodwill from people in Carrigaline, and a huge appetite locally to get this development moving.

“We are delighted to offer the opportunity to win a state-of-the-art camper van as a bonus to supporting the delivery of these much-needed facilities.” 

Upon completion, this sporting facility will consist of a 400m synthetic surface oval-shaped athletic running track, three standard size grass playing pitches with floodlighting, a two-level clubhouse (706 m-cubed floor area), substantial vehicle parking, soft landscaping and an access road.

The proposed sports amenity is about to go to tender with a detailed design completed by sports design specialists iTurf.

The initial costs are currently estimated at just under €1M, and the development committee, made up of a dedicated team of volunteers, are exploring multiple avenues for funding.

Founded in 1994, Carrigaline RFC have waited almost thirty years for a permanent base to call home, and the Athletics Club have endured a similar struggle, and they will now finally have a base within their community.

Speaking on the announcement that planning permission had been granted, Carrigaline RFC Chairperson Jerome O’Sullivan said; “For so long our players, their parents and our coaches have had to drive from post to pillar to attend training and play matches.

“Carrigaline, the largest town in County Cork, so badly needs more sporting facilities for both children and adults.

“We know that this new multi-sports development will become a fantastic sporting amenity for all the community to use and enjoy. The facility will be made available to all the local schools and community groups that wish to use it.” 

Richard O'Brien, Chairman of the Athletics Club, said; "Our aim is to provide new sports opportunities for the local and regional community, to encourage sports participation and better health outcomes for all ages and ultimately to create an opportunity for high-class sports people to advance their careers in our sports. 

"We have a talented and committed development committee who are working at a phenomenal rate to make this dream a reality. This draw is an important step in the delivery of the first phase."

Further information is available on their website; www.winanewcampervan.ie, and any questions can be sent to the committee email carrigsports@gmaill.com.