Cork club hits jackpot as property deal nets four new pitches

CHRISTMAS has come early for a leading Cork GAA club after a deal with property developers secured four new pitches and top-class facilities.

Douglas GAA club on the southside of Cork city will also retain the main pitch, dressing rooms and clubhouse of their existing village facility under the terms of an agreement with property development company, Frinailla.

In return the development company secures Douglas’ second pitch, which gives it right of way to land which is planned for development.

Douglas’ additional state-of-the-art facility at Castletreasure, a short distance from its existing base in the village, will include two full-size playing pitches, one full-size floodlit playing pitch, one floodlit all-weather training pitch, covered spectator terrace and children’s playground.

In addition, the plan includes a new clubhouse with modern, spacious dressing rooms as well as an indoor hurling hall.

Douglas club chairman, Maurice Kelly said: “This is a wonderful development for Douglas GAA club and indeed the wider community in Douglas. This plan will deliver on the clubs long-term development needs on a no-risk basis. It will provide the space and facilities for our future growth and enable us to attract new members on a sustainable basis. Perhaps even more importantly, it will also allow us to maintain our presence in the heart of the village and continue to provide much needed playing and recreation facilities for our local schools.”

The deal was to be sanctioned by club members at an EGM last night.