Kinsale GAA unveil ambitious plan for Centre of Excellence after selling current grounds

Kinsale GAA club's ambitious plans for the development of new facilities are set to get underway after Board Pleanála has given the green light for plans for seventy homes on its existing grounds at Bandon Road.

In what has been an anxious time for the Seaside club as they awaited the decision for the statutory body to make the important ruling.

The relief for the club was expressed by the club chairman, Ger Webb. 

"Park Developments, Dublin, purchased our existing grounds and have secured full planning permission for housing on our grounds at Bandon Road.

This is a watershed date for our club as it ensures the progression of Kinsale GAA to our new grounds.

“We have been waiting for this day for a few years."

The new development is literally a puck of a sliotar or the kick of a football across the road from their current home at Jack Barrett Memorial Park. The project is expected to start in earnest as works get underway with an archaeological survey set to be carried out on the new grounds.

During that period a tendering process will be launched to secure a contractor. The initial phase will focus on playing facilities, as the club proposes establishing three sand-based pitches, which are expected to be playable by the spring of 2026, with further support facilities to follow.

"A focus on quality playing surfaces and in time an aspiration to create a GAA Centre of Excellence that could accommodate any high-level team that chooses to hold a training camp in Kinsale," are the aims as explained by Webb. 

HARD WORK

It’s certainly an ambitious target but the club has already proven it is well capable to mobilise its 1,600-plus members to meet the challenges that the new project will bring.

We are under no illusion that it's now the work begins with fundraising and asking all to put their shoulder to the wheel."

The club, which has recently had significant LGFA success last lifted a male county title in 2011.

However, their underage section is booming with huge numbers and in time that will pay off with stronger adult teams in both codes.

Outside of the requirement of the club to fill its trophy cabinet the club is acutely aware of its social responsibility and the increase population in the town and providing the necessary facilities is crucial for the aim.

"Kinsale GAA belongs to the community, and this is our strength."