Last Monday morning, the southside of Mallow awoke to the sound of heavy machinery at work in the vicinity of St. Gobnaits Park as the first phase of Mallow United’s development of astroturf training facilities got underway. Speaking about the commencement of the work Mallow United Chairman, Tim Barrett stated that this was a new and exciting chapter in the club’s 94 year history as it sets out to put in place an all-weather astroturf pitch that will provide much needed winter training facilities for the club but will also serve adjacent schools and community groups. Tim expressed his thanks to the hard-working committee of Mallow United and also to the clubs neighbours especially those immediately adjacent to St. Gobnaits Park for their support and goodwill since the early stages of planning for the project.
Phase 1 of the project will see the construction of a new entrance with associated perimeter fencing, the re-alignment of all ESB cables underground, along with the construction of new footpaths and associated works. It is planned to begin phase 2 (construction of the new astroturf) and phase 3 (levelling and upgrade of the existing grass pitch) when the current season ends.
The project is being funded from a combination of sources including the club’s development fund, a national government sports capital grant, substantial borrowings and an intensive round of fundraising set to get underway. In the coming months the club will be launching a monthly members draw and will host a major fundraising event towards the end of the year. Parents and the people of Mallow and the extended community have always shown great support for the club and it is hoped that this ambitious project will continue to receive the same support in the coming months and years.
Location
St. Gobnaits Park, Mallow
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