The Kube: a game changer for Templeport St Aidan's GAA

The countdown is on! Templeport St Aidan’s is just months away from moving into their newly built state-of-the-art clubhouse extension, a monumental milestone for the West Cavan GAA club. But before the keys turn in the lock, there is still some vital fundraising to be done.

Enter D-Kube - a thrilling fundraiser taking place on Saturday, November 8 at the Slieve Russell Hotel.

The revamped clubhouse boasts a cutting-edge gym and fitness suite spread over two floors, complete with a dedicated meeting room tucked away at the back.

The impressive extension is a vast leap forward from the club's current facilities, offering more space and more opportunities for local athletes and the wider community.

Vision

Micheál Maguire, Templeport St Aidan’s GAA’s chairman, reflects on the road that brought the club to this point.

“Back in 2016, we realised the space was simply not enough,” Maguire recalls. “We had four changing rooms, first floor meeting room and a small gym area that was no longer fit for purpose. The club was bursting at the seams, with our senior team, reserve team, underage squads, and ladies football teams all crammed into the same space. To top it off, Corlough players joined us via a deviation this year, which, while fantastic, only added to the pressure to provide better facilities.”

At first, Templeport St Aidan’s considered a simple solution: a shed to give them a little extra breathing room. But as the vision grew, so did the club's ambition.

“We had big dreams for a space that would serve not only the club but the whole community,” says Maguire.

Joining the Development Committee initially in his capacity as an architect, Maguire recalls how the club worked hard to get the project off the ground. Then, like so many, they faced an unexpected setback: COVID-19.

“It set us back, but we never lost sight of the goal,” says Maguire.

By October 2023, Templeport St Aidan's signed a contract with Crossdoney Construction, officially kicking off the building work.

New era

The new facility promises to be a game-changer for Templeport St Aidan’s.

“The gym and fitness suite will be a huge asset for all our teams,” Maguire says with excitement. “And we’re making sure that everyone can access it - with an alternative meeting room on ground floor, accessible wc and shower area for maximum inclusivity.”

Additionally, the new building will be seamlessly connected to the existing clubhouse on both levels, transforming it also into a modern, multi-purpose space for meetings, events, and community gatherings. It’s been a whirlwind few years for Templeport St Aidan's, but the progress has been exhilarating.

“I’ve been involved since 2016, and while I’m the chairman now, this project is the result of hard work from so many people, past and present. It’s a real team effort,” says Maguire, proud of the collective dedication.

Community spirit

Community involvement has been the lifeblood of this project like so many others before it.

“Nothing happens in Templeport without the support of our community. The D-Kube Fundraising Committee has poured countless hours into making this event a success. Volunteers have been tireless in their efforts to ensure everything runs smoothly,” he says, also thanking Crosserlough GAA for partnering in coordinating D-Kube night.

Templeport St Aidan's secured around €315,000 in funding from the Sports Capital Programme under multiple applications for their clubhouse extension project, but the total cost far exceeds that amount.

“We’ve had to balance things carefully to avoid taking on too much debt,” explains Maguire. “Fundraising is crucial to covering the gap, and we’ve had great support from local businesses and beyond,” he says, thanking the event's Main Sponsors: Brackley Landscape Services, Crust & Crumb, Woodford Milling, Joe McGovern Transport, and Crossdoney Construction and Design.

Game night

All eyes are now on D-Kube event where the winning club\charity will win €10,000, and the player bags €5,000. And that's not all- there will be a raffle on the night with €1,500 in prizes.

Donations meanwhile are being tracked via the iDonate platform, with the top four fundraisers also getting a chance to compete for another €5,000 in a special half-time game.

Already, some participants have raised over €6,000, showing just how much enthusiasm and support there is behind the Templeport St Aidan's GAA project.

Game sponsors inlcude Nuevo Nutrition, Encirc, Kevin Heery / Bawnboy Motors (Joint), Slieve Russell Hotel, SuperValu Ballyconnell, KMG Safety Training & Sean McCaffrey Plant Hire (Joint), Traynor Environmental & Alan Traynor Consulting Engineers (Joint), McIntyre Repairs, Reilly's Tool Hire, Kieran Maguire Construction, Sean Grimes Plumbing, Mannok, Sitas Developments Ltd, Breffni Electrical, JAS Plant Hire & Construction Ltd, P. McGovern & Son Building Contractors, Kelly’s Bar, Howden Tools, McAveety McKenna Solicitors, The Keepers Arms, The Ballymac Inn, C.C. Agricultural Consultants, and Micheal Maguire Architects.

“The response has been incredible,” says Maguire. “It’s been a huge effort, and the energy, courage and fundraising effort truly embodies the spirit of our GAA community.”

Tickets are for sale at Maguire's Shop, Bawnboy, Keepers Arms, Ballymac Inn and from the clubrooms Wednesday and Thursday Night between 8 and 9 or D-Kube Contestants in your area.

Contestants

Dàra McManus – Teemore Shamrocks

Jonnie Reilly – Ballinlough GFC

Tess Maguire – Ballymagovern Macra

Ryan Prior – Corlough GAA Club

Aaron Donohoe – St. Kevin’s Melbourne

Stephen Meissner – Drumreilly GAA

Eloisé Power – Kildallan First Ulsters

Michael McKiernan – Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins

Luke Reilly – Knockbride GFC

Rory McTague – Aughawillan GAA

Joey Kearney – Aughavas

Dallán McKenna – Templeport St. Aidan’s GFC

Conor Connolly – Drumlane Sons of O’Connell GFC

Ciaran Kellegher – Templeport St. Aidan’s GFC

Fergal Maguire – Cavan GAA Masters

Gintare Sereckyte – Krafty Kidz Childcare Facility

John Cosgrove – Killeshandra Leaguers Juvenile Club

Claire Fitzpatrick – Drumlane Sons of O’Connell Ladies GFC

Conan Doonan – Na Gaeil Aeracha

Damian Donohoe – Drumalee GAA

Danny Ball – Penrith Gaels

Davin Graham – Butlersbridge GAA

Breffni McKiernan – Swanlinbar GAA Club

Clodagh Geoghegan – Templeport LGFA

Catriona Bohan – Gortletteragh GAA

Shonagh O’Sullivan – Swanlinbar Ladies

Sean Hussey – Kinawley GFC

Erin Britton – Mohill Ladies

Fionan McIntyre – Bawnboy Gun Club

Gemma Beatty – Belturbet / Redhills Ladies Football Club

Stephen Hughes – Lavey GAA

Karen McGovern – St. Brigid’s LGFA

Mark Plunkett – St. Mogue’s College

Neill Reilly – Killygarry GAA

Declan McCabe – Crosserlough GAA

Patrick Mulligan – Arva GAA

Rebecca McLoughlin – Shannon Gaels GAA Club

Stuart Dunne – Belturbet Rory O’Moore’s GAA Club

Wayne Johnston – Cornafean GAA Club