A new pitch for a new era at Castleisland AFC...

SPORT and Castleisland is a seamless relationship spanning many decades. An exciting addition to this story is the opening of the new state-of-the-art Astro Pitch by Castleisland AFC. This new and floodlit field is a modified 3G pitch which is the most modern of its kind and will stand as a symbol of club and community support.

The pitch opens at the end of November and bookings can be made by community and sporting groups of every code to use it. Castleisland AFC Club Chairman Patrick O’Rourke said the new pitch will leave a lasting legacy for the town and its surrounding areas.

The project was graciously supported by Castleisland Community College, who provided the land and whose pupils will also avail of the new facility. For many years Castleisland AFC have been a successful club with a sizable crop of young players eager to play the game. The fact they did not have their own pitch was a cause of much frustration. Thanks to a clear vision and a hard working committee those frustrations are at an end.

The collaborative effort between the soccer club and community college is a project that’s been in the pipeline for the past three years. The local community have also bought into the spirit of it at every turn by supporting various fundraisers to help get it up and running. The pitch is now available to rent and groups can hire use of either a full, half or third of it depending on their requirements.

“It’s a wonderful and professional resource for our club and the Castleisland community. It can be used by all groups and sporting clubs,” said Patrick.

“It will make sport accessible all year round, which is necessary given the weather we have. The pitch is a safe environment as it is fully fenced in making it ideal for groups with young children. In fairness, this would not have been possible only for Castleisland Community College who supplied the land. On top of that we had great support from the community. We couldn’t have wished for better support. This pitch will also benefit villages around the Castleisland area - GAA clubs or athletics, it’s there to be used.”

If you would like to book the pitch call Patrick on 087 2787094. The official opening will take place in 2019.

Gareth Doyle (Sales ERx), Pat Ahern (Opel & Maza Principal), Paul Ahern (BMW Dealer Principal) and Barry Ryan (Sales Manager Opel/ Mazda) of Ahern’s, Castleisland.