Castleview secure 1 million in funding for two all weather pitches at O'Sullivan Park

Castleview AFC is set to be transformed by a €1 million grant that will help the north-side club get two new Astro pitches at O'Sullivan Park.

This came from longstanding negotiations between the club, Fianna Fáil TD Padraig O'Sullivan, and Minister Thomas Byrne.

The funds will be made available under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, and the project has the backing of the FAI.

This will bring the total amount awarded under the scheme to €173 million, with 35 individuals benefiting, including Castleview.

The club are one of the largest in the north-side with teams in the Munster Senior League, Cork AUL, Cork Youth Leagues, and Cork Schoolboys League.

Castleview described the million euro as a dream becoming reality in an emotional statement released on their Facebook page.

"Our dreams are quickly becoming a reality," the said.

"This journey has been marked by dedication, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a vision.

"This progress fills us with immense pride and gratitude for the opportunity to experience such remarkable advancements for our Club.

"As we move forward, we want to thank Padraig O Sullivan for his endless effort in helping guide us along this difficult path to success.

"The mountains of paperwork, endless meetings, and delicate care put in by Rodney Power and Ciaran Meehan alongside the steering committee from Castleview, The AUL, and of course the Cork City Council have made all this possible.

"What an announcement for the Club, the League, and the Community!

"We wish to pass on our thanks to Cllr. Tony Fitzgerald Colm Burke TD and Eoghan Linehan From Price Waterhouse Cooper for their guidance and input.

"We will keep everyone posted on our progress, but let's all take a moment to celebrate the announcement."

Fianna Fáil TD Padraig O'Sullivan gave an insight into the process on his social media accounts.

"Many months ago I met the committee of @castleviewafc (Rodney Power) & members of the Cork AUL (Paul Pepper & Denis Crowley)," he said.

"We discussed how the club and the league could enter a partnership to deliver much needed Astro turf pitches to the Northside of the city for both the clubs use and the AUL leagues use.

"After discussions with @corkcitycouncil an application was made to Minister @thomasbyrnetd and the Deptartment of Sport.

"The fruits of that work have been rewarded today with the awarding of 1 million euro to deliver 2 x Astro turf pitches at Castleview's grounds in O' Sullivan Park.

"I'm grateful to Cork City Council for backing the project and also the @faireland @faicork for supporting the application. 

"Also a massive well done to Rodney Power on his commitment to the project. Looking forward to seeing the plans take shape in the months ahead."