The Clare Island GAA club has set up a GoFundMe page in the hope of raising €40,000 to develop new changing rooms.
Club Secretary John O’Malley told the Mayo Advertiser: "We are fighting to safeguard the sporting future of our small and proud club. To do this, we need our facilities to match those in mainland Mayo.
"We have a long tradition of Gaelic games on Clare Island but we also face greater challenges than mainland clubs to keep that tradition alive.
"Covid-19 restrictions have hit us very hard, making it hugely challenging to organise training sessions and tournaments on the island. Even when restrictions were eased we faced bigger obstacles than most clubs, given our remote location.
"We are passionate about our native games and we offer a unique GAA experience on our beautiful offshore island. But we have never had our own changing rooms. Until now, visiting teams have had to change and shower in the nearby community centre.
"We hope our worldwide diaspora and many friends and supporters around Ireland and across the world will assist us in this ambitious project."
The club’s plan is to develop changing rooms and a small covered viewing terrace above the pitch. These facilities will permit Clare Island to host year-round games and training, and ensure that all age groups and people with disabilities have a safe and secure place to enjoy sports as participants and spectators.
Construction on the site has begun, and will continue in the early months of 2021. Local TD and former Mayo footballer Alan Dillon inspected the project site in September. At the time of writing, almost €6,5000 has been pledged on the Clare Island GAA GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/cigaa
