A landmark moment in the history of Westmeath GAA who confirmed last week an agreement to purchase 49 acres of land from the Health Service Executive (HSE ) for a new centre of excellence near the Delvin Road, Mullingar at a cost of €1,050,000.
The site, located behind St Loman’s Hospital, Mullingar, will incorporate six new pitches as part of the phased development and with the inclusion of the 3G all-weather facility at Lakepoint Park, this announcement bodes most positively for the future of Westmeath GAA.
Once planning permission has been achieved,the proposed development will take several years to reach its completion at an estimated cost of between €10-€15 million.
Westmeath GAA County Committee Chairman Frank Mescall said the proposed development will strengthen the organisation for future generations and he thanked the clubs of the county for their endorsement.
Delegates in attendance at the recent Coiste Chontae meeting in the Mullingar Park Hotel unanimously ratified the purchase proposal, Westmeath GAA chairman, Frank Mescall, noting that when complete, the development, will strengthen football and hurling within the county in future times.
“I want to thank all the delegates who have agreed with the proposed purchase tonight, I know that this purchase will strengthen Westmeath GAA for future generations. The new grounds will bring a great boost to our GAA community and provide a centre of excellence for up and coming Westmeath players to flourish.”
“Tonight’s agreement is the first step in what we expect to be a long process, we will present the purchase proposal to Croke Park in the coming days and await their decision to proceed with the proposed purchase,” Mr Mescall stated.
There will be central funding for the new Westmeath GAAcentre of excellence, but the vast majority of the money will have to be raised by the clubs within the county.
