Castlerahan drive for new pitch
A massive fundraiser effort is underway in Ballyjamesduff and the surrounding areas to deliver a new pitch for Castlerahan GFC.
The local GAA club officially launched their ‘Pitch Fundraiser’ last Friday night in Farrell’s Bar in Ballyjamesduff.
The top prize on offer is a Royal Caribbean Cruise, plus €1,500 in spending money.
The tickets are now on sale for this trip of a lifetime and each ticket costs €20, or three for €50 or nine for €100 and the draw will take place next year, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in the Crover House Hotel. The tickets will also be on sale online courtesy of Even 54.
The new pitch will be located at the rear of the current pitch, right across the road from Ballyjamesduff Mart premises.
The chairman of the club, Seamus Greene, told the Celt that some works have already been carried out over the past six months on the development of the new pitch area. “We will be developing the new playing surface next March and the funds raised from this current draw will go to paying for that project,” he outlined.
The development works that have been completed were funded by a Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser, which took place some time back.
Paraig Smith, chairman of the Park Development Committee, extolled the virtues of the fabulous prize on offer in the draw. He further pointed out that the tickets are reasonably priced at €20 or three for €50 or nine for €100 and would make a nice Christmas present.
“We have sold some tickets already and people are telling us they are good value and many are purchasing a book of tickets for €50,” said Paraig.
The new pitch will be surrounded by a walking track extending to one kilometre and this will be a superb facility for the entire community.
“It is right in the centre of the town and within walking distance for a population of over 3,000 people. We hope to have the playing pitch and walking track all completed by next June, but the pitch will not be playable until 2027," said Paraid.
SEM Construction from Carlanstown carried out the levelling works and Michael Hyland is developing the new pitch.
Seamus Greene added that this new pitch is phase one of a planned development programme. Phase two will feature the development of the current pitch; while phase three will incorporate the transformation and extension of the dressing rooms.