First game for the new Georgie O’Callaghan Park

A NEW chapter in the history of Castleisland AFC was unfolded on Sunday morning when their B side played the first game at their brand new astro turf pitch located on the grounds of the Castleisland Community College.

There is no prizes for guessing the name of the new stadium as it is Georgie O’Callaghan Park in honour of the local legend who sadly passed away earlier in the year.

It was a pity that Georgie was not around for this very special day, but no doubt he was smiling down from the big stadium in the sky. The new pitch is a huge development for the club and will do a lot to promote and foster the game in the North Kerry town.

It is the first partnership of a school and a soccer club in the county and all involved can be very proud of their decision to allow this project to come to fruition.

Castleisland AFC were delighted that the Community School came on board for the big project and it had full local support.

Georgie was involved in the negotiations which led to the partnership between the Castleisland Club and the local Community Colleague but sadly he was gone before his dream was realised.

The phenomenal work that Georgie done for young people in the area for the last four and a half decades was a major factor in this project getting the green light. The new pitch is a magnificent facility located in a very good spot with lots of trees for wind protection during the winter.

It is flood lit and surrounded by a high railing and netting. The good news for the club is that there is sufficient extra ground at the side for a clubhouse, while there is a parcel of land down at the bottom of the pitch, which would be ideal as a training pitch.

It is great to see Georgie’s legacy recognised and honoured in his native town and memories of him will always flood back to people who attend games at Castleislands splendid new pitch.

Their pitch has been a long time coming with the club formed back in 1973 but when the club got it they ensured it would be a wonderful local amenity.

Members of Georgie’s family were present at the game on Sunday and they are delighted with the new pitch in his memory.

The official opening of Georgie O’Callaghan Park will take place early in the New Year.