Looking to a bright new future in Parke

Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin GAA Club marked a historic milestone last Saturday week with the grand official opening of its state-of-the-art, floodlit all-weather football pitch and an adjoining scenic walkway.

A huge crowd turned out for an event which celebrated a significant upgrade to the club’s facilities, reflecting years of community effort, fundraising and commitment to promoting Gaelic games and healthy lifestyles in the local area.

The project was made possible through a combination of substantial funding sources and local support. Key contributors included Croke Park, the Connacht Council, Sports Capital Grants, South-West Mayo Development Company, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the European Union, Mayo Local Action Group under the Rural Development Programme (LEADER), and CLAR. Additionally, the club’s own vigorous fundraising initiatives over six years – featuring major lotteries such as a Croke Park draw and an Audi e-Tron draw – along with support from local businesses and volunteers, played an essential role in covering the costs. The total investment in the project, encompassing land acquisition, development, match-level floodlighting and the walkway, exceeded €800,000.

The day of the opening was filled with pride and celebration as the facilities were officially unveiled. Mayo senior football manager Andy Moran, Mayo ladies footballer Noirín Moran and Alan Dillon TD had the honour of inaugurating the new facilities.

Rose Conway Walsh TD, Cllr Richard Finn, South West Mayo Development CEO Sabina Trench, Connacht GAA CEO John Prenty, Mayo GAA chairman Seamus Tuohy and vice-chairman Michael Diskin were among the guests in attendance.

“It is an incredible achievement and is a testament to the ambition, vision and commitment by the committee and all the volunteers to take on a project of this scale,” commented Mr Dillon.

“It didn’t just happen. It took a lot of voluntary effort and enjoyed the support of the wider community and I was delighted that our department could make two significant contributions of €162,000 in 2022 and €129,000 in 2024.

“As we can see here today it was money well spent.” 

Broadcaster Mike Finnerty was present to conduct interviews with the likes of club chairman, Martin McLoughlin, club LGFA chairperson Mairead Shaw, and cover the event’s proceedings, capturing sentiments from club officials, community leaders and others who praised the vision and dedication behind this landmark achievement.

Minister for State Alan Dillon commended the efforts behind the project, highlighting the vital contribution of volunteers, coaches, players, club officers, and supporters. He noted that the new facilities stand as a shining example of what can be accomplished when a community unites behind a shared goal. His words echoed the collective pride felt by the entire parish in seeing an ambitious dream brought to fruition.

The new floodlit pitch offers a high-quality playing surface that can be used all year round, regardless of weather conditions or daylight hours. This development provides players of all ages – from underage teams to senior men’s and women’s squads – with enhanced opportunities to train and play in safe, world-class conditions. Alongside the pitch, the new walkway creates a beautiful and accessible public space for walking, jogging and leisure activities, encouraging community members to engage in active living while fostering social interaction in a safe environment.

Founded in 1970 and located approximately eight miles outside Castlebar, Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin GAA Club has a long-standing tradition of fostering Gaelic football on a strong community foundation. The addition of this new all-weather pitch and walkway marks the latest chapter in the club’s ongoing commitment to growth, inclusivity and sporting excellence for all its members and neighbours.