The Beginning
In 2001 land adjacent (7.61 acres) to MourneAbbey Community Centre became available for general sale.
Clyda Rovers approached MourneAbbey Community Council to buy this land in conjunction with them as they were anxious to remain in the current facilities which is a Community Based pitch. The land was purchased for a cost of £150,000-00. The money was raised for this by a door to door collection within the parish.
Planning Permission
A detailed feasibility study was then carried by MC0COS Consultants for a 10 year development plan.
The focal point of this plan was a full size sand based playing pitch.This was state of the art similar to the pitch in Newtownshandrum. To achieve this required getting the County council to close a public road
down the middle of the site. This road divided the land previously purchased. This was achieved in 2002 due the backing of the whole community. After planning was granted it was decided to approach a land owner to purchasean extra ½ acre adjacent to the site to ensure that the pitch was full size. This was concluded in summer 2004 at a cost of €60,000.
Funding
The cost of this new pitch was estimated at €250,000. A local fund raising draw began in 2004 where members travelled the county to sell tickets at €20 for a prize fund of €20,000. Over 10,000 tickets were sold which raised €180,000 profit. We also received €100,000 from the lottery and €75,000 from the council in grant aid.
PHASE ONE: Development of the new pitch
A contract was signed with Kelly’s Bros. Ballydesmond to develop the new pitch. This work began in July 2004 but was suspended due to bad weather. It recommenced and was completed in the
summer of 2005. The pitch has now been fenced off and is now been played on. This pitch is a state of the art facility and is a credit to all involved. Clyda Rovers have the main call to this pitch and who can use it. It also is invovled in Maintaining this Pitch
PHASE TWO:New Dressing Rooms
The next phase of the project is four new dressing rooms to service this pitch. A bed push in co-operation with the Irish Guide Dogs for the blind was undertaken in 2006, all Clubs in the Parish provided Volunteers for this and this raised over €45,000 which €17,000 with to the IGFB. The New Dressing Rooms are now ready for use July of this Year.
PHASE THREE The Reseeding of the Second Pitch
The Next Phase of the Development is the reseeding and turning of the old pitch this is currently taking place.
PHASE FOUR: Clyda Rovers DEV
Clyda will fund an irragation system will be put in by Clyda Rovers GAA Club on the new pitch and a new digital scoreboard erected has been erected. The Club will also install state of the art floodlights as well as contructing an hurling alley & GYM.
