Efficient progress continues to be made by one of Galway football's most unsung clubs. Knocknacarra FC's relevance to the local community shouldn't be underestimated and now, firmly established at their Cappagh Park base, the future is full of promise.
Delivering under age teams and providing youngsters with an opportunity to learn the game is Knocknacarra's objective, and that is being practised. The appointment of Paul McGee in a coaching role with Knocknacarra is a significant fillip, and chairman Dave Connolly is encouraged by the manner in which the tale is evolving.
"When Paul left Cork City there was a chance for us to take him on full-time and obviously to have someone with his experience as head of juvenile coaching is good for all concerned. It was a big step in the right direction bringing Paul in and our link up with Acorn Life Insurance has made things easier for us. They are the reason that what is happening is happening. Everything hinges on money and they have been willing to support us and they are vital to us."
Finance dictates much in sport, and Knocknacarra plough on making the most out of their resources. It can be a slog, but the midweek graft is worthwhile when Saturday comes and the delights of match day arrive. Strolling through that tidy venue on the outskirts of the town is a pleasant experience. Tucked away on the edge of the city, and only three miles away from the maddening crowds, Knocknacarra's earnest approach deserves to be commended. Connolly is content, especially now that the pitch beside the car park is surrounded by fencing which adds to the development immensely. "We have been building up the club for many years, starting out in 1988, so this year marks our 20th in existence. It is great that we have facilities at Cappagh Park and the plan is to have an all weather pitch in operation by the end of next year.
"At the minute our adult membership is at around 80, and we have teams at all age groups from under 16 downwards and there is abut 270 there, so we would have in and around 350 members so we are growing all the time."
"For instance we cut, maintain, and fertilise the pitches ourselves, while the council look after the open spaces and that ensures everybody is satisfied. Most of the visiting teams that come here always remark on how well maintained the place is and that is encouraging for all concerned."
It is during these interesting times that Knocknacarra are being rewarded for being proactive rather than reactive. There is always hope, and while keeping the show on the road takes toil, Connolly believes that an innovative process ensures a football club can be sustained. "In many ways the set up we have at Cappagh is unique in that ourselves, Salthill/Knocknacarra GAA Club, and the Galway City Council have a committee in place. The two clubs run the facility really at little cost, and we have regular meetings with the City Council about the need for more facilities, but we would be very complimentary of Michael Burke and Tom Hernon who have helped us a great deal. There is a good partnership between us and it is great that there is people in the community running it." About to enter its third decade, Knocknacarra crave further improvement, and the challenge will be relished.
