Sean Treacy’s GAA Club launch Purchase The Pitch fundraiser

Sean Treacy’s GAA Club has launched a fundraiser entitled ‘Purchase The Pitch’ to fund the purchase and development of extra land.

The Club has recently purchased land adjoining its current pitch in Kilcommon and plans to develop this to include a full-size playing pitch, second car park and extend the walking track around the entire twelve acres.

The fundraiser allows members and supporters of Sean Treacy’s to be part of the ‘Purchase The Pitch’ of the new development ground and their name will be displayed at the Club grounds, stamped in history. A plot may be purchased for €100. This is a creative way of raising funds and those who support the project will be rewarded with long lasting recognition. The fundraiser allows the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for the generations to come. It is also a chance to honour fellow clubmen and women, living and dead, who have shaped GAA in the Club. Perhaps supporters would like to remember a family member who has passed away and would like their name etched in the future of the Club.

The fundraiser was launched on Saturday, 22nd April, in The Cross Bar, Kilcommon – with a huge crowd of supporters and players in attendance. MC was Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee Tom Ryan. Club Presidents, Michael Ryan Darby and Pat Stapleton gave an overview of the early days of the Club – founded in 1962 – which brought the three parts of the Parish together as one Club; the development of the field, the building of the first dressing rooms, the stand, hurling wall, the new Clubhouse and the development of the walking-track. They highlighted the importance of supporting this initiative to ensure that the highest standard facilities will be available for generations to come.

Club Chairperson, John Carey spoke of the pride in the excellent facilities, that are as good as any club in the county. He detailed the many different teams that now use the pitch: adult hurling and football, camogie, juvenile, divisional, knock-out games etc. He highlighted the problems of over dependence on one pitch, the fact that the pitch now has to be booked in advance and how a second field will be a huge benefit.

John thanked the hardworking committee and, in particular, the fantastic groundsman, John McHugh who ensures that the pitch is always in perfect order for all matches. He also remembered Pat Carey who passed away recently. Pat was the first Chairperson of the Lotto Committee and was a huge driving force behind all activities in the Club.

The Club facilities currently include: Fully drained pitch and smaller training area; State of the art indoor gym for players to continue strength & conditioning developments; Huge upstairs indoor area for events and training; Changing rooms; Fully lit walkway which provides a safe place for members of the community to keep fit and healthy; Hurling wall with enclosed fully-lit astro turf pitch; Electronic Scoreboard

Sean Treacy’s allows children, of all ages, to demonstrate their abilities across every code. It provides competition that enables them to experience a great sense of identity and pride in following and supporting the teams. It is entirely built on the ethos volunteerism.

Sean Treacy’s involves people from all corners of the parish – with the Club being the focal point. The Club works with schools in the parish to promote Gaelic Games. The main achievement is the massive number of people catered for during a typical week. The level of community participation has immeasurable social benefits.

In 2016, Sean Treacy’s and Upperchurch/Drombane GAA Clubs came together to form Slieve Felim Rapparees to provide a clear pathway for girls in the locality to play Gaelic Football and Camogie, up to adult level. Increased participation and long-term involvement in the GAA for girls hinges on having top-class facilities available to train all year round.

Anyone interested in supporting this fundraiser can contact any member of the Sean Treacy’s Committee or members of the Fundraising Committee: Tom Ryan, Seamus Carey, John McCormack, Michael Hanly, Andy O’Brien, Milo McLoughlin and Mary Ryan Mulqueen. Follow Sean Treacy’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where Avril Kinnerk will keep every updated on the latest news.