Marking a landmark day in the history of St Brigid's GAA, club chairperson, Michael McDonnell and Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Joe Murphy, performed the official sod turning on the club's development project on Friday evening last.
On a summer sun-kissed evening, the event marked a very historic day for the South Roscommon club which now looks forward to the construction of its new development, the club's largest since the clubhouse complex was built in 1988.
The project consists of two elements. The first involves the construction of a new building extension comprising a new gymnasium and a community meeting room and the second element involves essential upgrades to dressing rooms, showers, kitchen, toilets, roof and car-park. Work on the development will commence in the next number of weeks.
St. Brigid’s was successful in its application for Leader funding for these development works and the club undertook a very successful fundraiser to fulfil its financing provision requirement of the project.
In opening last Friday’s event, club chairperson, Michael McDonnell, afforded immense gratitude to the many people who had worked so hard on ensuring the progress of the project. Acknowledging the wonderful response from club members, the local community and supporters to the club's fundraiser, Mr McDonnell went on to acknowledge the courage, foresight and perseverance of the current executive in reaching this important milestone.
"History and the generations that follow will look kindly on the club’s achievement," Mr McDonnell asserted.
In her address, CEO Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Martina Earley, paid tribute to the club and its members for progressing this significant development.
Chairperson of Athlone Municipal District, Roscommon County Council, Cllr Laurence Fallon, said that as a local councillor and a member of the LCDC, he had worked closely with the management team as the funding application was steered through the Leader application process.
“The size, achievements and standards set by this club mean it will always lead the way in the personal development of its members and the infrastructure development of its club grounds,” Cllr Fallon commented.
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Joe Murphy, said that everyone was aware of S. Brigid’s achievements on the pitch but a lot of work continues to go on behind the scenes, including major fundraising, to ensure the club keeps moving forward.
