€2million for full size synthetic GAA pitch at St Jarlath's College
Overall development could cost €6million
FUNDING of €2million has been announced this morning for the development of a full-size, fully-lit synthetic GAA pitch at St Jarlath’s College in Tuam.
It will be the first of its kind for any school in the county. The pitch will be accompanied by a two-storey building housing a gym, dressing rooms, kitchen and multi-purpose room. The school’s existing sportsgrounds will also be re-developed.
The funding has been awarded through the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) and has the application was strongly supported by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA).
Principal of St Jarlath’s College John Kelly said special thanks are due to Galway East TD and Minister Anne Rabbitte, whose strong advocacy over the past year has been instrumental in the success of the application.
The school is also deeply appreciative of Helen O’Rourke, CEO of the LGFA for her support and the support of her team, throughout the application process. The college looks forward to closely collaborating with the LGFA once the facility is completed.
The overall project is estimated to cost in the region of €6million and while additional funding will be applied for, Mr Kelly told The Tuam Herald that he is eager for progress to be made on Phase One as soon as possible.
There has been significant local support for the school and the planned development. The Joe and Helen O’Toole Charitable Trust, Tuam has pledged €1 million in support of the new facilities. The late Joe O' Toole was a former student of the College.
“While we celebrate this milestone, we recognise that a lot more work is needed to bring this project to fruition. Our students, athletes, and the wider community deserve the very best, and this funding will help us create top-class facilities right here in Tuam,” remarked Principal John Kelly.
Minister Rabbitte said she was thrilled that the project has secured significant funding. ““For St Jarlath's, this €2 million funding will be instrumental in expanding the offering at the historic school, with the development of a full-size 4G, floodlit, all-weather synthetic pitch, as well as upgrading the existing grass training pitches into a full-size grass playing pitch, and the construction of a sports pavilion.
“I ensured that the Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne met with the Principal John Kelly to discuss the plans, alongside former student and Managing Partner at DHKN Chartered Accountants Proinsias Kitt, as well as Helen O'Rourke, CEO of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.
“It was so important for this development to be dual use so we're not only supporting the development of young men but also supporting our young women in sport. It's a real step change. Inclusivity in sports is paramount and thanks to the implementation of the new Similar Access Requirement, we have ensured that women and men will enjoy similar access to all sports facilities, which are publicly funded,” stated Minister Rabbitte.
Read more on this story in this Wednesday’s Tuam Herald