€1.3m GAA pitch development commences at the Postal Club
By Aideen O'Flaherty
WORK commenced on the development of a new pitch for Thomas Davis GAA Club at the Postal Club in Kiltipper this week.
The Echo understands that the purchase of the land and the reseeding of the pitch has cost within the region of €1.3m, and it’s being funded by the proceeds of the sale of one of the club’s former pitches in 2017.
The new pitch for Thomas Davis at the Postal Club
The club’s former playing pitch was sold to Ballymount Properties for a figure believed to be within the region of €4m, and planning permission was granted for the development of 70 houses at the site in 2018.
In relation to the development of the new pitch at the Postal Club, work began on the site on Monday.
The works include reseeding and resurfacing the pitch, and it’s expected to be complete in 18 months.
David Kennedy from Thomas Davis told The Echo: “We’ve been waiting for this pitch for some time.
Work started on the €1.3m new pitch development this week
“We’ve got a pretty big club – we’ve got 94 teams and over 1,100 members and, frankly, we’re running short of pitch space.
“We have one pitch and, with 94 teams, it’s a challenge to find space for them to play and train. This will be a huge benefit to the club.”
There are also plans for a juvenile pitch alongside the full-size pitch, which will also alternate as a training area.
In addition to the pitch, there are also plans for a perimeter walking track for spectators.
Mr Kennedy added: “It’s just a reflection of the fact that the days of standing in a muddy field at the sidelines are behind us.”
The club has grown “exponentially” over the past five years, according to Mr Kennedy, so the new pitch will allow the club to increase its capacity to meet demand.
The pitch is expected to be complete and match-ready by early 2023.
