Nenagh AFC seeks local help

One of the oldest clubs in County Tipperary, Nenagh AFC is appealing to all its members, parents and past players for assistance in upgrading its astroturf pitch at Brickfields, which is in dire need of repair.

Founded in 1951, Nenagh AFC has been one of the most successful clubs in Tipperary and boasts one of the finest playing facilities in the country, which any club would love.

However, the Brickfields complex has come at a huge cost. Over €2 million has been spent to date and most recently the driveway was tarmacked and road-marked with a pedestrian footpath at a cost of almost €70,000, which was raised through its annual Christmas With the Stars concerts for the last four years. The recent Frank Maher Memorial Golf Classic also brought in much-needed finance with a fantastic turnout from supporters.

This year has seen another enormous increase in active members playing soccer as we hope to fill three adult teams along with teams in every age group from under 18 down to under 6s. The new season has begun and teams have begun training again.

The club is also running two summer camps and is trying to develop ladies/girls teams in the coming weeks. The club is now trying to address the need for proper training facilities for the winter as well as providing a much-needed revenue stream into its coffers. The last number of years hit the club hard financially with covid and placed serious strains on us meeting our financial commitments. Upgrading the astroturf will secure our future for the coming years.

An upgrade of the present pitch will cost in the region of €60,000 while doubling its size will cost a further €100,000. The club hopes to raise the money in several ways between grants, asset sales and a loan.

However, we are now appealing to the public and especially to all our members, past and present, to join our Lotto on a yearly basis to raise badly-needed finance to stay afloat and to do a proper job on the astroturf. 500 members will bring in €50,000.

HOW TO JOIN

Joining our Lotto for all parents and members can be done in any of four ways:

€100 annual cash payment, entering your details into the lotto slip; Online via Clubforce website: https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=316#Anchor;

Credit/Debit Card/Cash Tuesday evening at Clubhouse office between 5pm-8pm;

Direct Debit 4: Quarterly payments of €25, DD form available shortly from clubhouse.

Non-playing members will receive an annual free associate club membership (normally €40). We are also asking all previous direct debit entrants to sign a new mandate because of bank changes. Please note you can contact any committee member, ring Angela on 087-1817610 or call in to the office on Tuesdays between 5–8pm for information, to collect/complete forms, envelopes or to pay by cash/card.

Our draw takes place every Tuesday night and the Jackpot presently stands at €7,000.

Nenagh AFC has been the beacon for all clubs in the county as to what can be achieved with a vibrant committee harnessing local and national help. Our facilities are available to everyone and we have been a focal point for many families who have settled in Nenagh from all around the world. Our committee are voluntary and dedicated members, who give of their time to improve the recreational facilities and amenities in North Tipperary.

We need your support and we need it now. Please step up and help us. The facilities will be there for many years to come.