Salthill Knocknacarra GAA has welcomed strong backing from senior Government Ministers and Galway City Mayor Mike Cubbard for the club’s proposed €10 million Mincloon development.
A high-level meeting between Salthill Knocknacarra GAA and national and local representatives was held ahead of the official switching-on of new floodlights at the Prairie last Saturday afternoon.
Minister Dara Calleary T.D., Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D., and Mayor Cllr. Mike Cubbard attended the briefing alongside Galway City councillors Donal Lyons, Clodagh Higgins and Peter Keane, where the club outlined its vision for new playing facilities and its funding application under the next Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF ).
Despite heavy rain throughout the weekend, a huge number of parents, players and children gathered to show their support for the Mincloon project — highlighting the importance of additional facilities for the future of Gaelic games in Salthill and Knocknacarra.
The proposed Mincloon development — for which planning has recently been submitted — will deliver three new floodlit pitches, including a full-size all-weather surface, improved access and active travel connections, and provision for future community facilities. The project is designed to address the growing shortage of playing space facing juvenile boys’ and girls’ teams across football, hurling, ladies football and camogie.
John Tyrrell, Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Mincloon Development Committee,said they were very encouraged by the strong engagement and backing shown by Ministers and local representatives.
“This project is about investing in the future of young people in our community and ensuring we have the facilities required to meet continued growth across all four codes.
“Seeing such a large turnout from parents and children — even in challenging weather conditions — showed just how strongly our members feel about delivering Mincloon. It is a vital step in addressing the pitch pressures that are negatively impacting our members.”
Gerry Halloran, Chairperson, Salthill Knocknacarra GAA, said the support expressed by Minister Dara Calleary, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Mayor Mike Cubbard and the councillors present sent a very positive signal as they move forward with this once-in-a-generation project for our club.
