Although Tyrrellspass GAA aren’t strangers to growth and development, their latest venture just launched will take the club facilities to the highest level.

Full planning permission has been received to develop new facilities to accommodate the clubs growing needs. A new floodlit playing pitch, floodlit astro turf pitch, juvenile training pitch, community walking track and parking facilities all on the agenda of this exciting project.  

You could be very sure that a decade ago when the conversations were ongoing about purchase of the land adjacent to the existing pitch there were concerns about the investment. However, the community of today and community of the future are very glad the club took that valiant step! 

Joanne Gavigan, Tyrrellspass GAA Chairperson says: “We are very excited as a club about the development which we have just launched. Tyrrellspass GAA was established over 60 years ago, seeing great growth and success at many levels over the years. The club has successfully retained senior status since 1991. It is now time to expand. We want to grow our success and expand our facilities to meet our needs as a club and as a community into the future”. 

What are the plans for the community in Tyrrellspass?

This ambitious project to develop 10 acres beside the existing football pitch will be delivered in four phases over five years. 

The first phase to cut and fill the land is complete. This phase will include levelling and drainage works, sowing of the main pitch in Spring next year and construction of a 1200 metre walking track. The second phase will see the delivery of training pitches, fencing and parking facilities. The third phase will see the construction of a much needed all weather astro-turf pitch with final phase involving construction of club buildings such as dressing rooms, kitchen and sanitation facilities. 

Shane Arthur, Tyrrellspass GAA Vice Chairperson explains: “This is a project of huge scale. Luckily in Tyrrellspass and its environs we are a community who have always shown strength and determination to pull together when a job is worth doing”. 

Shane continues to tell us: “We understand that there is never an easy time to raise funds for any voluntary development, but we have begun the journey through submission of both our first Sports Capital and Leader applications. We remain very hopeful in the success of both processes to support this community project. Our Executive are now supported by a Development Group made up of local people who are as committed as we are to bring this project to life for everyone’s benefit. We are out of the traps having held our first very successful fundraising event. We have lots of ideas for the days ahead to give everyone fun times to look forward to”.

From little acorns mighty oaks grow…

Brian Corcoran tells young Cara, his granddaughter about the Junior County final against Miltown-Rathconrath of 1973. ‘I was the Captain of the team that year. Nobody gave Tyrrellspass much of a chance that day. It was a very tough battle. We beat them by just a single point in the end. Taking home, the winning cup meant so much to us as a team and we knew what it meant to the community too. The celebrations went on for a month! Walking the cup over the hill into the village was such a proud day for everyone involved. I watched my own sons, Michael and John walk the intermediate cup over the hill years after in 1991. Adrian, my youngest son joined his brothers when they won the Flanagan cup in 1999, 2006 and 2007. Those wins meant every bit as much to me as when I played myself. 

Brian continued by explaining: ‘We didn’t really have too much by way of facilities back in our day, but we managed. We probably didn’t know too much about the right food or training well for body and mind. We have learned a lot over the years about the right way to do things for today’s game. To support that the club need to improve the facilities to move with the times for young cubs like this lassie coming along. Supporting our boys and girls and growing our club will bring great joy to everyone involved’. 

Edmund Seery, with his grandchildren Cian, Aaron and Baby Eoin, who is Tyrrellspass GAAs youngest member, explains: “Central to our success has always been our commitment to underage development and helping our young players reach their potential.  Each generation has a role to play, and it is great to see the commitment of the current Executive in future-proofing the club and community with state-of-the-art facilities.  

Building on the success and structure of the underage activities, I was privileged to be involved in coaching and developing underage teams for many years and saw many young players develop into incredible footballers, but more importantly wonderful people.  Teaming up with many great Tyrrellspass GAA stalwarts; Jimmy Murphy, Ned Connell, Ned Sheeran, Des Oxley, Eamonn Whelan, Vinnie Hoey, Billy Hussey (RIP), Paul Molloy, Joe Kelly, and John Henry - I hope in my old age, I haven’t forgotten anyone! We went on many great journeys together, and I have many great memories of championships won and lost.

Edmund continues to tell us “It’s funny as I recall a hugely successful group of players trying to ‘dip’ their coach…who shall remain nameless… into a drain at the end of Ryan’s field, all in the name of good fun. Back then I was fleet of foot and managed to escape.

Edmund concludes this trip down memory lane by telling us: “I’m heartened to see many great club players now coaching and supporting the clubs future senior footballers. Our young members are getting a wonderful opportunity to learn from great players that know what it takes to be successful. I am sure this model will bring much success and vibrance to the village for many years to come, but also much fun and enjoyment for the players and supporters. I am privileged to have played a small part in supporting great players, a club and a united community. A club that will always be progressive, person centric, and supportive.  You couldn’t wish for a better club for these little lads to be part of”

Supporting nature is part of the plan

The picturesque village of Tyrrellspass has many strong links to the environment with a very active Tidy Towns committee who work tirelessly with residents and businesses to maintain a gold standard. As part of the design of this project Tyrrellspass GAA are making efforts to develop sustainably through installation of energy efficient smart lighting and supporting biodiversity along the new walking track. 

Michael Mc Conigley, Tyrrellspass National School Principal explains: “An Taisces Green Schools Programme is an important part of our teaching. Each green flag a new learning and valuable life lesson that our children take home and carry with them. Biodiversity, as part of the programme looks at steps which can be taken in schools to increase awareness of the importance of native plants, animals and habitats, and to increase species-richness in a locality. It is the fifth green flag which St. Anne’s National School received just last year. Having a Biodiversity trail close by will be an important resource for the children’s continued education”. 

Michael continued by saying: “I think I can speak for each of the schools in our local area that having a new amenity in the community which encourages biodiversity and learning to protect our environment will benefit everyone. The environmental aspect of this project coupled with development of lots of boys and girls as young budding footballers are all very positive moves for our community”. 

Watch this space!

Joanne Gavigan, Club Chairperson concludes by saying: “We are aware of all the benefits this development will bring to us as a club, facilitating development at all age levels and promoting future club success. However, there are wider community benefits to the delivery of this project such as promotion of health, fitness, and mental wellbeing. In addition to fostering community spirit through provision of a valuable community amenity. 

 Tyrrellspass GAA wish to whole heartedly thank everyone who has supported this development and donated to date. We are hoping to gather as many followers as possible along this exciting journey to grow, grow, grow! For more information on how to get involved or to donate visit www.tyrrellspassgaa.com

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