A newly formed community sports group in Keel, Castlemaine, is hopeful of acquiring land to develop much-needed multi-sports facilities for the local community.
The Keel Community Field group has identified a plot of land that has recently gone on the market in the locality, describing the land and location as ideal for use for sport.
The group, a company limited by guarantee, is comprised of Keel GAA, MKL Gaels LGFA, Mainebank FC and Castledrum National School.
It hopes to develop facilities that can be used by all clubs and the community but, in particular, a permanent home pitch for MKL Gaels and Mainebank FC who are currently without their own playing grounds.
Independent chairperson of the group, Brendan Griffin, says that the land, close to Castledrum NS, coming to the market represent a once in a lifetime opportunity for developing such sports facilities.
“All members of the Keel Community Field group are very excited to see this 21-acre plot of land come to the market. Land of this scale, nature and location is extremely rare in the Keel area, so this plot represents a unique opportunity to acquire space to provide much-needed sports facilities for current and future generations of people in the immediate locality and surrounding areas.
Mainebank FC Treasurer Tim Foley, explains that new facilities will include two playing pitches.
“Our plan includes the provision of a full-size Gaelic football and full-size soccer pitch, along with associated facilities. These pitches will provide a future permanent home for ladies football in the locality through MKL Gaels and for our local soccer players with Mainebank FC.
“The facilities will also be available to the wider community, including Keel GAA and Castledrum National School.”
Chairperson of MKL Gaels LGFA, Brian Prendergast, said the new group is about providing facilities for all.
“Our group brings together four bodies doing amazing work in our community. The formation of the group is a powerful statement of co-operation and mutual respect for all sporting codes and the immense benefits that sport and physical activity can bring to a community.”
Chairperson of Castledrum National School Board of Management, Donal Ashe, said the group needs community support.
“Our group is currently preparing the submission of a formal bid for the land, and we are extremely hopeful that we will be successful in securing this outstanding property. We might never again have such an opportunity, and we are asking the entire community to come behind our efforts for the benefit of everyone now and in the future.”
© Kerryman