There may be still nine months to go to the opening of Doire Colmcille GAC’s new £1.2 million playing ground, but already excitement is “reaching fever pitch,” according to club chairperson, Marcas O hUiginn.
Speaking to Derry Daily, Mr O hUuiginn said the new playing facilities, situated at Lowry’s Lane (just off the Glen Road), would enable the club to compete at the highest level and take it “back to where it belongs.”
Mr. O hUiginn has been working on the development for the past ten years and revealed he had “lived and breathed” the project over the last four-five years.
He added: “The excitement within the club is building to almost fever pitch with many of our younger players bursting to get playing on their home pitch.
“The development will be the life blood of the club. It will be the fundamental catalyst that will enable the club to compete at the highest level, back where it belongs, but most of all it will allow the club to integrate into the community, forming lasting partnerships with schools, community groups and bringing the whole outer west together under the GAA banner.”
Mr O hUiginn said the club was looking to stage its official opening around the Feast of St. Columba next year, “possibly” June 8, adding there were “no plans to date” as to who the opposition on the day would be. However, he confirmed GAA uachtaran (president), Liam O’Neill, would be among the special guests.
Up until now, Doire Colmcille has been playing its home games wherever possible. Among the facilities they have used are St. Columb’s College, Templemore Sports Complex, Celtic Park and Na Magha’s ground.
The breakdown of the new development is as follows – pitch: £300,000; changing pavilion: estimated at £410,000; training pitch/area: estimated at £350,000; fencing, parking and landscaping: estimated at £100,000.
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