Macroom FC ‘in limbo’ awaiting astro green-light
MACROOM FC says their need for an astroturf pitch has never been greater following the incessant wet weather:
“The need for our planned all weather facility was never more obvious. The awful weather has left leagues across the country really struggling as fixtures are months behind and Macroom FC are no different.
“At this point, it is clear that the only option is the Astro Pitch and Community Walkway that the club have been continuing to plan for. As mentioned previously, the club is still waiting on the result of our Sports Capital Grant application to the Dept. of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. This application is with the Department since early September 2023 and as of yet we have no indication as to when any announcement will arrive regarding grants.
“In the intervening 8 months, hundreds of club fixtures from U7 boys and girls up to adults have been cancelled due to unplayable pitches. Macroom FC have been granted planning permission for the project, approval for a loan if required is in place along with club finances and we are ready to begin the build. As Sports Capital grants can not be claimed retrospectively we are currently in limbo. Funding can not be claimed back after completing works so the club is in the position of having no choice but to wait.
“We hope an announcement will arrive soon and allow the club to provide a modern facility for our 600+ members and the wider community to avail of in the centre of Macroom town. In the meantime we are continuing to fundraise and further events will be announced shortly.
“Further information on the project can be found on our website http://www.macroomfc. ie/astro-fundraising or by contacting any of our Astro committee: Denis Murray 087 2941780, John Ronan 087 6458323, James Neville 086 3843140, JJ Murphy 086 8434023, Darragh Deasy 086 3524308 and Roy Desmond 087 7978636. We have received great support so far and look forward to the continued support of the local public and business community.
Schoolboys Round Up
“Macroom travelled to a blustery and windy O’ Shea Park, Blarney and lost out 3-2 on the excellent all weather surface. The home side started the stronger and took a deserving early lead. The visitors then settled somewhat and the score at half time remained 1-0.
“Macroom emerged re-invigorated for the second half, played some great stuff and led 2-1 midway through the half. That all-important third goal proved elusive and late on Blarney got an equaliser to set up a grandstand finish. The home team clinched victory with the winning goal and despite huge pressure from Macroom in the last few minutes, they held on to take all 3 points.
“Every player gave a fantastic performance and Macroom were really unlucky to come away with nothing. Thanks to the parents who travelled and supported, well done to players and management and thanks to the referee. Our U11 sides were in action in the Eddie Healy Cup recently. This competition gives players a flavour of competitive football before they go fully competitive at U12 next season. The U11B side entertained St Mary’s at a wet Murrayfield and lost out 4-1 in an excellent game, well played everyone. Unfortunately, our other 2 U11 teams saw their games postponed due unplayable pitches.
Munster Senior League Div 2
– Park Utd 2, Macroom 0.
“Macroom, sponsored by Murray’s Bar, will be disappointed to have come away empty handed from Brigown Park on Friday night. However, the Seniors can take a lot of confidence from a battling performance as they enter their final set of fixtures.
“It was the Mitchelstown men that started brightly, with the visitors largely confined to their own half in the opening exchanges. On 5 minutes, Michal Wojcik was called into action with a fine point blank save following a poor passage of play within the Macroom rearguard. However, Macroom responded well and Alexander Asling did well to force a corner on 10 minutes.
“The inswinger from Declan O’ Riordan found the path of Conor Kelleher but his powerful header was well cleared off the line. Park were again the beneficiary of some loose play in the host’s defence, only a combination of last ditch defending from Wojcik and David Hunt kept this tie scoreless. Midway through the 1st half, the hosts would take the lead with a strike from distance, 1-0 Park United. Within minutes, the Mitchelstown men responded well with a dangerous counter attack. The final effort cannoning off the outside of the post. Macroom did well to soak up the pressure throughout the opening 45 minutes.
“Any threat on goal that the visitors could muster was largely limited to the dead ball. On the half hour mark, another inswinger from O’ Riordan was flicked goalward but, the Park United number one did well to touch wide of the post. Following the restart, this tie ebbed and flowed with the visitors beginning to get a foothold. Luke Ring & Matty Juszczak were operating well on the flanks but Macroom couldn’t test the Park United number one.
“On 75 minutes, Jack Kelleher did well to latch onto a loose ball but his effort was comfortable for the hosts net minder. The introduction of Daire McMahon midway through the second half offered Macroom a new dynamic. His accuracy in the middle third did well to bring Juszczak and Kelleher into this tie.
“On 82 minutes, Park United broke at pace and looked certain to put this game to bed. However, an outstanding last ditch block from Thomas Morgans kept the minimum between the sides. On 89 minutes, it was another outstanding close range save from Wojcik that gave Macroom another lifeline. The visitors responded well with a strong break led by Kelleher but failed to capitalise. Following another string of fine saves from Wojcik, Park United forced a second over the line to come away with all three points,