Astro-nomical news for Kanturk
The first stage of building a new €1 million astroturf development in Kanturk is set to get underway shortly.
This week, the recently formed Kanturk Community Astroturf Committee began to roll out its plans for the 116 metre by 76 metre pitch at Greenane, adjacent to the Coláiste Treasa sports hall.
The development will include a pedestrian walkway around the pitch with bollard lighting and two-way vehicular access with ample onsite parking facilities and access to Coláiste Treasa’s changing rooms.
The works will be carried out in three phases beginning with groundworks including clearance, drainage, tarmac and kerbing.
This will also include the laying down of the grass carpet and shockpad to FIFA, World Rugby and GAA standards. Full planning permission has been granted since 2020 on the site which has been secured by way of a long-term lease from Cork County Council with the support of Cork Education and Training Board.
The cost of the development is estimated to be in the region of €1 million and the committee has applied for a sports capital grant, Leader funding and have been secured a loan from community funding organisation Clann Credo.
Michael Breen, Chairperson of Kanturk Astroturf Committee said it was fantastic to see all the local clubs, schools and organisations supporting and driving the project which he said will have huge benefits for generations to come.
“The committee are very dedicated and hardworking and have put in huge time and effort since the inception of the project,” he said.
It is anticipated that the development will take two to three years to complete with plans for works to commence in the coming days. Once finished, the facility will be accessible to everyone in the community and its hinterland.
According to Padraig Breen, Secretary of Kanturk Astroturf Committee, fundraising will play key role in getting the project over the line. This week, the committee launched a new fundraiser raffle in association with O’Callaghan Motors for a new red Toyota C-HR Hybrid worth €33,000. Second prize is €1,000 and third prize is €250.
The draw will take place on 7 January 2022 with tickets purchased before 24 September to be included in an early bird draw for €1,000.
Tickets can be purchased at kanturkastroturf.ie or from local participating shops.
Commenting on the development, local TD Michael Moynihan TD (FF) said the project is exciting not just for the town of Kanturk but also for the entire Duhallow area. “A huge amount of work has gone into bringing the project to this point and there are a very dedicated, hard working group driving it of which I am delighted to be part of,” he said.