Cork GAA Announces €1.75M for Urgent Multi-Pitch Centre Development

BREAKING: Cork GAA has just announced a significant investment of €1.75 million to develop a “multi-pitch centre” aimed at boosting participation and performance in Gaelic games. This urgent move comes amid the county board’s ongoing struggle with a staggering €30.8 million debt tied to previous infrastructural projects.

During the Cork GAA convention on November 7, 2023, chairman Pat Horgan revealed plans to allocate €500,000 to the first phase of the centre, with an additional €1 million sourced from the Munster GAA Sports Capital Project. Horgan emphasized the critical need for a dedicated facility, stating, “The absence of a dedicated multi-pitch centre for our Gaelic games family is an ongoing issue.”

While the timeline for the establishment of the centre remains unclear, Cork GAA is actively seeking a suitable site. Horgan added, “We now need to commit funding for a phased approach to continue sourcing, develop, build, etc.” This initiative is a vital step towards enhancing facilities for the local community and ensuring the future of Gaelic games in the region.

Cork GAA’s financial landscape is complex, with treasurer Diarmuid Gowan describing the current position as “still very challenging.” The latest financial report revealed a profit of €1.5 million but also highlighted an operating stadium loss of €1.1 million. The ongoing debt servicing continues to strain cash flow, hampering overall profitability. Gowan pointed out, “There is a lot of work that continues and needs to be done.”

Looking ahead, Cork GAA is also waiting on a crucial decision from An Bord Pleanála regarding a planned housing scheme on their Kilbarry landbank. This development is essential for alleviating some of the county’s debt burden. “We are expecting a decision from An Bord Pleanála soon regarding whether they will fight the judicial review or take it back for review,” noted CEO Kevin O’Donovan.

Horgan also advocated during the convention for the return of inter-county minor to U18 and suggested increasing the number of allowed substitutions to eight, aiming to streamline game management.

As Cork GAA embarks on this ambitious project amidst financial challenges, the community’s hope for a state-of-the-art facility grows stronger. This investment not only represents a commitment to the sport but also a pledge to foster future generations in Gaelic games. The situation remains dynamic, and further updates are expected as the board navigates these developments in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.