As you will have seen our contactors ‘Dar Golf’ are back on site completing the second part of Phase 1 of our Development. To remind you, Phase 1 includes our new pitch with all of the infrastructure in place for Phase 2 which will include match grade lighting, walkways etc. With the good weather and all going to plan, we expect to have green grass on our new pitch in September/Oct this year.

In terms of funding/budget, our original budget was €350k for primary pitch development works associated with Phase 1. This provision excluded the associated consultanctcy fees, and a number of additional direct costs, outside of the main contract scope, associated with boundary treatments etc. In addition, and in the interests of efficiency, it is now proposed to progress a number of previously considered Phase 2 elements of scope during Phase 1, including the installation of our ball wall. Finally, and in the interests of safety given proximity to our carpark, we will also progress with the inastallation of higher performance ball stop units. Overall, this will adjust the total development spend for Phase 1 to circa €425k.  

In terms of fundraising to date, we have as previously confirmed been approved a Sports Capital Grant of €124,500 and to date we have collected cash from the sale of plots of €195,000 and pledges of €18,500 which gets us to €338,000 and the delta in terms of funds to be raised from the remaining plot sales is €87,000 to complete Phase 1 as described above.  

We are extremely grateful to members and indeed our local community who have come forward and so generously donated to get us to over €213,500 including pledges of €18,500, a great success for our Club. Our ask now is that if you haven’t availed of the opportunity to buy a single plot @ €500 or a double plot @ €1000, please consider availing of this opportunity now. All purchasers of plots will be recognised on a Plaque or in an appropriate way when we have completed Phase 1 assuming the plot owner consents as each purchaser will have the opportunity to remain anonymous where this is their preference. 

In summary, we are in the last Quarter of the Match/Phase 1 and once we get the final €87,000 in plot sales and collect on our pledged funds of €18,500, we will conclude on this fundraiser of plot sales and we will have a new pitch fully paid for in full albeit, there will be a Phase 2 as already confirmed around lighting, walkways etc but for now, our full focus is on completing and paying for Phase 1 without draining our club resources. To achieve our goal, we are appealing to you our members in particular but also our local community for one final push to get us over the line on Phase 1, it is now a little easier when you can see what you getting as works are progressing very well on Pitch 2. This development is for the future of our club as we have to keep driving forward and improving to ensure we have the best facilities we possibly can for our members both now and into the future. Fundraising is a really hard task in any circumstances, but it is made easier where people come forward and offer their support, so please reach out to us if you can support us.

Many Thanks again in particular to those of you have contributed and thanks in anticipation of those who will contribute and purchase one of the remaining plots, any of our development committee named below would be delighted for you to make contact and in addition we will also be reaching out to members directly asking for your support!

 

Ger Brady                                                                                                           

Development Committee Chairperson