Major development work commences at McGrath Park
McGrath Park, the home of Bagenalstown Gaels
Bagenalstown is set to have a modern state-of-the-art sporting facility in their community.
Work has already begun on the McGrath Park site, the home of Bagenalstown Gaels, and the club and the Development Committee are looking to raise €420,000. They have come up with a Buy a Brick fundraiser. The initiative gives businesses and members of the community a chance to play their part in the development too.
By buying a brick the name or business will be acknowledged in a public and prominent position in the new clubhouse. Individuals can purchase a brick for €100 while businesses can buy a brick starting at €250.
It is indeed an exciting time for all those involved. The new development includes the construction of a new two story clubhouse, a gym, a meeting room and kitchen facilities.
The old grass terracing by the roadside has already been removed and even though the project is in its infancy stage, there is a new welcoming feel for visitors to the McGrath Park site.
There are plans to construct a security fence around the pitch which will also have a cement pathway. The construction of a new main entrance will make access to and from the ground a lot safer. A new toilet block for players and crowds attending matches is also a welcome addition to the ground.
Club Secretary, David O’Brien, says this is an exciting time not just for the club but for anyone who watches matches in the ground.
“We have undertaken a big development. Clubhouse, gym, new toilet blocks.
"We expect to spend about half a million euros on development over a 3-4-year period,” he says.
“We feel we have come up with an imaginative fundraiser and we are confident it will get the support not just the community but from regular attendees to McGrath Park.” While the cost of the whole project will come in at just under a million euro, Bagenalstown Gaels should be able to avail of sports capital funding which will amount to €200,000.
To purchase a brick go online to http://tinyurl.com/buyabrick24 or contact a committee member.
Committee: George Darcy, David O’Brien, Mick Crowe, Gavin Sheil, Nickey Gordon, TC Clarke, Emmet Coburn.
Email: bagenalstowngaels.carlow@gaa.ie The club has also produced a Buy a Brick brochure with detailed information on the entire project.
