Taoiseach launches Castleknock development
by Martin Ryan

Over 1,000 people turned up at Somerton in Castleknock to witness the turning of the sod for one of Dublin 15’s biggest ever sporting developments. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, in one of his last public engagements, was on hand to formally launch the new 23 acre Castleknock Community Park which will be home to Castleknock GAA Club.

Among the guests at the event, which culminated in an evening of celebration in the nearby Castleknock Hotel & Country Club, was GAA President, Nicky Brennan and Minister for Justice, Brian Lenihan TD.

The highly ambitious project which will be developed in three phases will provide the club with three pitches including an all-weather floodlit option and a clubhouse

Complimenting the club on the level of unity that was apparent in the evening’s attendance the Taoiseach referred to the appropriateness of the club’s motto “le chéile.”

Speaking to Community Voice, he said that “it will be a wonderful addition to the local facilities for the young population of the area and shows what can be achieved by concentrated local effort.” He added that “it is the kind of project I am delighted to be asked to launch as it clearly is planned on a professional basis and is a tribute to the organisational skills of all involved.”

The development is expected to cost in the region of €5 million and will be constructed on a 23 acre site at Somerton that the Castleknock club has acquired on a long-term lease. The club has received assistance from Fingal County Council in acquiring the site and has also received funding from the Government’s Sports Capital Programme towards its plans.

It presents quite a challenge for the young club which will celebrate the tenth anniversary of its founding next July. That decade has already seen remarkable progress and the club can currently boast the All-Ireland Under-14 hurling champions who took on and beat the cream of Ireland’s young hurlers in last year’s Féile na nGael. The magnificent Christy Ring trophy which is awarded for this prestigious competition was proudly on display on the night of the launch of the new plans.

GAA President, Nicky Brennan, was effusive in his praise of the club’s plans and said that “even though it is just the first phase of the new development, it shows the ambition of the club and the people involved. This is the new GAA really, where we are developing a heartland in highly populated urban areas. With the changing demographics in the country it is also where we want to be.”

Club officials Michael Maher and Mick Lynch thanked all sponsors and anyone who had contributed to bring the club to this stage. Bodhráns with the club’s logo were presented to both Mr. Ahern and Minister Brian Lenihan in recognition of the occasion and as an indication of the club’s achievements in Scór, the GAA’s music and entertainment competition.

Though still in its relative infancy the club has already gained a national reputation for innovation and ambition and all the evidence of the new development plans and the launch night suggests that the club will continue to set standards of excellence into the future.

 

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