Development on the building of a new clubhouse at the Donegal GAA Training Centre in Convoy began today, when the sod was turned on the project.
This morning, contractors McDermott & Trearty moved on site to begin construction of the facility, which is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2019.
GAA President John Horan was in attendance for today’s sod turning. The Dublin native, alongside Donegal’s two All-Ireland winning captains, Anthony Molloy and Michael Murphy, did the spadework.
“It is a special occasion for Donegal,” Mr Horan said.
“It is great to see it get to this stage of the development. There has been a lot of careful planning until now and you obviously were quite prudent in the phases. It was a clever approach as you didn’t get bogged down by large interest payments. It is positive and healthy to see the support from the clubs.”
The new two-storey development will comprise seven dressing rooms, a multi-purpose hall, a gym, meeting rooms, administration area and a catering facility. The new building will also incorporate a spectator standing overlooking one of the pitches at the centre – at a cost of €2.17 million.
Donegal GAA have received funding of €575,000 from Croke Park, as well as Sports Capital Programme funding of €300,000. With Donegal GAA contributing €300,000 of their own funds, it left a shortfall of almost €1million – a sum that will be footed by the 40 clubs of the county.
“We have to recognise the great work and support of the clubs,” Donegal GAA Chairman Mick McGrath said.
“We have borrowed just over €1million and the clubs are repaying that loan. They made a similar commitment and contribution ten years ago for the purchase of the site and took a great strain at the time.
“We started off with a marshy field and now we have four active pitches. We still have to decide on a surface for the fifth pitch we will develop.
“This is a very special day for Donegal GAA.”
Mick McGrath, Michael Murphy, John Horan and Anthony Molloy turn the sod.
Donegal GAA purchased 26 acres in Convoy in 2008 and secured planning permission in 2010. Pitches 1 and 2 were developed, with pitches 3 and 4 added for 2016.
Those phases of the project cost a cool €2.5million.
“The increase in usage means that it has outgrown the temporary facilities here and we have had to move beyond it,” Donegal’s Development Officer, David McLoone, said.
“We are delighted to start this project. Many thought that this day wouldn’t be sen. We reflect on the huge effort of all of our players, the commitment and the time they give for our joy and pride, it is so important that we develop a Training Centre.”
Murphy along with senior manager Declan Bonner, selector Paul McGonigle and a host of current and former County Board officials were in attendance.
Tributes were paid by McGrath to the Trustees – Aodh Mairtín Ó Fearraigh, Michael McMenamin and PJ McGowan – and to the various County Councillors who were present.
Donagh Kelly from the KN Group, Donegal GAA’s main sponsor, plus representatives from the Abbey Hotel and O’Neill’s were among an attendance that also included Ulster Council President Michael Hasson.
Donegal GAA also officially launched their Buy A Brick campaign. For €100, patrons can sponsor a brick and have there name go up on a digital wall inside the new building.
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