100 years and counting, Rockmount investing in underage and facilities
The Rockmount U12 CSL side.
In their centenary year, Rockmount AFC have enjoyed huge celebrations throughout the season with the biggest event still to happen on October 12, on the passing anniversary of former chairman Jameise Corcoran.
The club with its biggest membership to date, is constantly growing and the recent news of capital funding has been a massive boost for the club and will no doubt help attract more players to the Whitechurch-based club. I recently caught up with current chairman Derek Murphy and here he tells us what the funding will mean to the club.
"News of the Sports Capital Grant has just been announced and as a volunteer-run, local sports club, Rockmount AFC are reliant upon the generous support of local businesses, individuals and members to continue providing opportunities and benefits for players and the broader community.
"The funding allocation of just over €120,000 is the icing on the cake in our centenary year," said Murphy.
"I started with Rockmount back in 2000 coaching the U17 and U18 teams, after been involved with the club for a few years I was then asked to step up to the senior Committee. At the time the senior team was one of the best teams in cork so this was a very big step for me. With the help of all the other members on the committee and in the club, everyone helped to make Rockmount the club they are.
"In 2012 I became the Rockmount secretary a position which involved a lot of time and work which I really enjoyed.
"A special committee was formed in the summer of 2023 spearheaded by club stalwarts and new members alike, with a view to putting a plan in motion for 2024.
"As a result of a number of meetings, this active group devised a detailed and varied programme which contains something for all club members, friends, supporters and the wider community.
"During the course of the celebrations the club will remember and commemorate the hundreds of loyal and committed players, members and supporters who have made the club what it is today."
From winning teams on the field, to forging lifelong friendships off it, they have been at the very heart of their community.
"This significant funding is a real boost for our growing club, and the future addition of a full-size astro-turf pitch will complement the upgrade of our clubhouse and other works on the existing pitches and facilities recently completed at Rockmount Park.
"Rockmount AFC are excited to embark on the next chapter, as this development will be a monumental step forward for our club, as we want to provide a top-class all-weather facility to use all year round helping us bring evening training sessions, nighttime matches, and so much more to our growing community.
At schoolboys’ level they're delighted to see increased numbers at all ages, and last year fielded teams at all ages from U7 to U17.
"It is very encouraging to see enough players to field second teams at some age groups. In the last few years we started a girl’s academy, and the reaction has been extremely positive. As a club we will continue to support the girls academy to thrive, as well as hopefully pursuing other inclusive initiatives in the future.
"We want to extend a massive thank you to all our members, players, coaches, volunteers and the entire community for their support, and we hope that this unwavering support will continue over the next year where we will need to continue to fundraise throughout the season and beyond to add to the capital grant to make our dream of a full size astro a reality.
"We look forward to the future which certainly looks bright. It promises to be big year next year in our 101st season and we'll be keeping everyone updated as we move forward, so keep an eye on our social pages for the latest developments and fundraising initiatives."
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