#LetsGoAstro – Exciting Update on Our All-Weather Pitch Project
In January 2023, a transformative vision for our club began to take shape during an Extraordinary General Meeting: to construct a state-of-the-art, all-weather playing surface at Gortnaglough. Today, we’re thrilled to bring you another update on the incredible progress we’ve made.
We’re now in the final stages of selecting a contractor through a meticulous tendering process. An announcement about the successful bidder will be made in the coming weeks, bringing us one step closer to making this dream a reality.
Our Fundraising Journey
Over the past two years, we’ve undertaken an ambitious fundraising campaign that has truly showcased the heart and determination of our members and community. In 2023, we cleared €80,000 from the mortgage on our facility, strengthening our financial position. Thanks to your continued generosity, we’ve now secured close to €475,000 in funding for this project.
Over the past two years, we’ve undertaken an ambitious fundraising campaign that has truly showcased the heart and determination of our members and community. In 2023, we cleared €80,000 from the mortgage on our facility, strengthening our financial position. Thanks to your continued generosity, we’ve now secured close to €475,000 in funding for this project.
From the outset, we set a goal of raising €600,000 in own funds to ensure the project’s successful delivery. We are nearly there, but we need one final push to reach our target.
Save the Date – March 29th
We’re excited to announce another major fundraising event at the Rochestown Park Hotel on March 29th. Building on the incredible success of our Jungle Event, we’re calling on the entire community to come together once more and make this event an even bigger triumph. In the lead-up to the event, we’ll be sharing exciting information and updates on our social media channels, so stay tuned for more details (sneak peek here https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15iMSjsV8g/ )
We’re excited to announce another major fundraising event at the Rochestown Park Hotel on March 29th. Building on the incredible success of our Jungle Event, we’re calling on the entire community to come together once more and make this event an even bigger triumph. In the lead-up to the event, we’ll be sharing exciting information and updates on our social media channels, so stay tuned for more details (sneak peek here https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15iMSjsV8g/ )
Together, we’re not just building a pitch—we’re building a lasting legacy for our club and the generations to come.
Project Highlights
The new all-weather pitch will be constructed on the footprint of Pitch 2, the pitch furthest from the dressing rooms, and will feature:
The new all-weather pitch will be constructed on the footprint of Pitch 2, the pitch furthest from the dressing rooms, and will feature:
- Floodlit Astro Pitch: A full-size FIFA-standard artificial playing surface (95m x 64m) with an additional 3m runoff on all sides, totalling 7,070 square meters.
- Advanced Drainage: Extensive drainage work under and around the pitch to ensure durability and playability year-round.
- Features:
- Shock pad for player safety and performance.
- Perimeter fencing with vehicle and pedestrian gates.
- Ball catch nets behind both end lines.
- A wheelchair-friendly access path connecting the clubhouse and car park to the pitch.
- LED Floodlighting: Six floodlight pillars (three on each side line) with high-quality LED lights, installed in compliance with planning approval from Cork County Council.
- Spectator and Equipment Areas:
- A dedicated spectator area adjacent to the dugout between Pitches 1 and 2.
- A secure equipment storage area near the treeline.
This is more than a construction project; it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together as a club and community. Thank you for your unwavering support—let’s bring this vision to life!