Being a friend of Milltown-Castlemaine GAA Club has so much to offer!
SEPTEMBER 2018 was a very exciting month for Milltown Castlemaine GAA, when Allman Brothers Construction turned the first sod on the expansive field development project that is currently being undertaken by the club located in the heart of Mid Kerry. This has been the culmination of titanic efforts by so many people over the past months and years to bring this project to fruition.
Back in 1947, both Milltown and Castlemaine were struggling to field junior teams and so they decided to amalgamate. And this is where the story of Milltown/Castlemaine GAA Club began.
While the club has won many titles down through the decades, their last County Intermediate title in 2011 led them to their greatest day ever -to Croke Park on February 12, 2012, when they were crowned All Ireland Intermediate Champions. This was truly a very special time for the club and the community at large. It will live long in the memories of all in the community and far beyond.
Back in the early days, McKenna’s field in Milltown and the priest’s field in Castlemaine were the venues when a ball was to be kicked around.
In and around 1960, a group from the area sat down and toyed with the idea of having a permanent ‘club owned’ playing facility. They proceeded with their plan and subsequently purchased and developed what is now the ‘Paddy Burke Memorial Park’.
Many hours of free labour went into developing it and the great work done by those men of vision over 50 years ago, has left a lasting legacy.
It is now up to the current executive to carry on that legacy. The ever growing population of Milltown Castlemaine has in turn seen a huge growth in club affiliation and participation from under-six upwards. The time has now come to extend and expand their current facilities. They are calling on the community to help them with this development- to future proof the club for the next 50 years and beyond.
This new development will ensure that the torch continues to be lit for generations to come. The overall development entails the following:
- Two new sand based training areas (one already completed);
- Redevelopment of the playing pitch;
- New 192 Seater Stand+60 standing capacity;
- Construction of a community walkway 650m x 1.5m;
- Up-grading of Dressing Rooms & Gym;
- Extension of clubhouse and meeting room facilities;
- Car Park realignment and surfacing;
- Erection of new floodlighting system.
Shortly brochures will be delivered through letterboxes and this will be followed up by a visit from a club representative.
These brochures outline how you can become a friend of Milltown Castlemaine GAA Club and play your part by contributing to this wonderful project.
Their household package of €5 a week over two years entitles you to full family membership for two adults and up to four children under 18 with a total value of €200, full membership of their gym facility for all family members over 16, three yearly lotto tickets worth a total value of €200 and entry to a special draw for two All-Ireland tickets if Kerry are in the senior final.
Your name will also be listed on a large pitch sign as a ‘Friend of Milltown Castlemaine GAA Club’.
With the household package of €10 weekly over two years, you will receive all of the above benefits along with an additional three yearly lotto tickets (six in total worth €400).
You will also be entered into a special draw for two All-Ireland tickets (hurling or football) and your name or that of a loved one will be engraved as a ‘ lifetime seat sponsor’ in the new stand.
There are various payment options available, contact any member of the executive.
With the help and generosity of all in the community, Milltown Castlemaine GAA Club can achieve their goal and realise their dreams and future generations will be forever indebted to each and every ‘Friend’ listed on their large sign at this fantastic facility.