Club22 and grass you can brush
Ireland are playing a World Cup qualifier shown on the TV screen, but the group of young footballers in red kits are lined up at the window, closely following the older lads train. From the the spacious community room called "Club22" perched on the first floor overlooking the pitch of College Group Park, Kingscourt they have a gallery view. Brightly lit with a yellow interior, the space is furnished with comfy couches, tables, chairs, and a full kitchen.
On rainy days, supporters can now sit comfortably indoors, cup of tea in hand, and watch the action unfold. “Club22 isn’t just for Harps players,” Dominic Sheenan explains.
“It’s for everyone. The name reflects the year we began construction, but more importantly, the spirit of the project - a club for the whole community,” says the Club Secretary.
The space has already been embraced as a hub, hosting everything from children’s birthday parties and discos to jiving nights, and movie nights.
That community spirit has been central to the Harps’ success since their founding in 1998. Dominic, one of the founding members, recalls the early days when matches were played on whatever grass fields could be found. “Clifford Kelly was instrumental in helping us secure a pitch,” says Dominic, praising the local Councillor for the foresight and convincing the Mount St. Joseph residents’ association to give them a permanent home.
Nearly three decades later, the club fields 14 teams in the Cavan Monaghan Underage League (CMUL), two senion men's teams and one ladies team. Today, the Harps have 450 registered players as well as 80 kids from 6 to 11. Perhaps most striking is the growth of girls’ football: “Just five years ago there were only 15 players - now there are 140,” say Chairman Noel Sherlock.
Noel notes the importance of owning facilities, which has enabled the Harps to secure critical grant support. Since June 2022, more than €650,000 has been invested in the grounds, including the FIFA-quality 3G synthetic pitch, the extension of the clubhouse, and redevelopment of the carpark. The clubhouse has gone from a bungalow to a two storey faciliy with four instead of two changing rooms with showers. The upgrade allows multiple teams to play back-to-back fixtures, something that had previously been a logistical challenge. A dedicated referees’ room with shower facilities has also been added, ensuring officials are properly catered for. Next on the list is a new 100-seat covered stand, which Secretary Dominic Sheenan jokes about while pointing to a cordoned-off patch of ground beside the clubhouse.
“Can’t see it just yet,” he laughs, “but it’s coming.”
Funding has come from several sources: more than €320,000 from the Sports Capitol Programme and €22,000 CLÁR funding. Local businesses and individuals have chipped in too, whether through sponsoring “lifetime logos,” buying fundraising blocks, or supplying building materials. Dominic proudly points out that much of the construction work was completed by club members themselves, while other volunteers kept football trainings going. “Everyone played their part.” Roof panels, concrete bricks and slabs were sourced from local suppliers. “
You can’t get more local than this,” Noel says. The only imported feature was the Astro surface, which came from Belgium.
The new pitch is already proving its worth. With a lifespan of at least 10 years and capacity for 30–35 hours of play each week, it ensures the Harps can keep their growing squads active regardless of weather. Maintenance is also easier than traditional grass - no need for lawnmowers, though volunteers still tidy leaves and brush the surface. Plans are also underway to switch to LED floodlighting, which will significantly reduce energy costs.
On Saturday September 20 from 5pm, Harps will host an official opening to celebrate their achievements and to thank the many volunteers, supporters, and local businesses who made it possible. Local politicians will attend, but the spotlight will remain on the community that built the project brick by brick.