Ballinhassig AFC securing the club's future by raising funds for new astro pitch

AS players we all know it's a huge disappointment when a game gets cancelled due to a water-logged pitch. 

Unfortunately, it's a constant occurrence here in Cork and the reason behind the need for all-weather surfaces. Ballinhassig AFC is no different. 

There is a huge drive in the club to develop a full-size all-weather astro pitch and the main event will happen next week in Rochestown Park Hotel.

One of the key organisers Abbey Brosnan explained it's a vital move for the club and community. 

"The club plays host to 22 soccer teams with over 300 playing members. As you can imagine, fixture congestion is an issue with that many teams, which is made worse when the typical rainy Irish weather causes pitches to become unplayable due to being waterlogged. 

"This causes immense disappointment for kids who could end up going weeks without matches. This is why we are holding this fundraiser, to help towards building such a great community facility for all of the families in the area."

The Jungle Challenge will be held in Rochestown Park Hotel.

"Myself, and Marie O’Leary who has been with the club for many many years, were brainstorming one evening and after researching some events groups in Ireland we came across Fundraising Event Group and saw that they do this 'Jungle Challenge' fundraiser.

"The event itself is based on 24 contestants, with 10 trials. Without giving too much away they will compete in various trials until one of the contestants is crowned King or Queen of the Jungle. There will be snakes, there will be spiders and there will be eating and drinking challenges." 

They have 24 contestants from across Cork, not just Ballinhassig. 

"Some are involved in the soccer club but the support from the wider community has been incredible with contestants from other clubs such as the GAA, LGFA, camogie, athletics, and groups such as the Community Association. Voting will be a key aspect in progressing through the trials.

"The contestants have a small idea about what they will be facing but there will be an element of surprise for the contestants on the night."

FANTASTIC

Brosnan's sons are playing for the club while her husband is the U11 coach.

"We all know the importance of providing services to children in the community. Our club provide this service to so many kids and it would be fantastic to see all the hard work come to fruition.

"We had golf classics, table quizzes, and family fun days annually to raise funds for gear and equipment and to pay for soccer coaching within two local schools. We are very grateful to all who have supported and we hope they will appreciate the hard work done for the commencement of a new development plan in Gortnaglough.

"The contestants have been working hard on their own fundraising efforts with securing their own sponsor for the night and also sponsorship cards. They have a Team GoFundMe where family and friends can select which contestant they want to support.

"We have numerous sponsorship packages for this event with Rochestown Park Hotel as our main sponsor. Their support has been absolutely fantastic and we are so proud of our partnership with them. Red Abbey Motors and Bishopstown Credit Union are our premium sponsors and we greatly appreciate the investment and effort that they are giving us. 

"I have to mention that Rochestown Park Hotel and Red Abbey Motors in particular have been incredible partners in this event far beyond the sponsorship costs, the work effort and advice that they have given us has been immeasurable. I can safely say we would not be holding this event without them. 

"We also have 10 challenge sponsors as well as a large number of contestant sponsors. We will have a souvenir brochure on the night which will include all of the sponsors mentioned, and we have had an incredible response from companies and business and the general public taking full/half page adverts in the brochure. 

"The response has truly been phenomenal, it is on a completely different level in terms of community and corporate support compared to previous fundraisers such as our golf classic and table quiz. 

"We hope to continue the new and existing relationships long into the future! There’s only a handful of tickets left and the response to sponsorship requests has been incredible. 

"If we hit our target with this fundraiser, and one more initiative after this, we should achieve our full goal."