Our Planned Development
Our club has successfully acquired 8 acres of land adjacent to our existing grounds at Carnuan, Athenry.
Full C3 planning permission for a substantial and exciting new development was granted in August 2019. This incorporates:-

- Two new full sized playing pitches
- Floodlighting for one pitch
- A Ball wall training facility
- An Astro turf based training area
- A Walkway around the perimeter of our new development

Our plans are to commence the new project at the earliest possible opportunity which will be largely dependent on the support of our loyal supporters and club members.

The estimated cost of the planned development of our playing facilities is €1.02m the breakdown of which is as follows:

Estimated Breakdown of Funding

It is envisaged that our proposed new development will be funded by a combination of contributions from our loyal supporters and club members, available grants together with the tax relief incentive scheme for sporting bodies.

Supporting Our Clubs Development Plans – Our Initial Fundraiser

Our initial fundraising plan involves the construction of a supporter’s wall of limestone plaques. Our wall will be a key landmark feature in the heart of our clubs grounds in Carnaun. An artist’s sketch of the wall is shown below. We aim to construct a wall to hold a minimum of 500 plaques.

This is a unique opportunity for everyone within our parish and beyond to play their part, to ensure the success of this project as we strive to create the best possible modern playing facilities which will benefit both current and future players. We are seeking that you support the development with the purchase of a supporter’s plaque. The cost of each plaque is €250.00. Your name(s) and your townland address will be engraved onto your limestone plaque, which will then form part of this unique structure. The wall will be a significant bespoke monument featuring your family name which will be on public display in our clubs grounds.

St Mary’s Athenry GAA Club has been classified as an “Approved Sports Body” by the Revenue Commissioners and the club’s grounds development has been recognised as an “Approved Project”.
This allows St Mary’s Athenry GAA Club to claim an additional amount from Revenue for every €250 received from a PAYE taxpayer. This additional relief is claimed by St Mary’s Athenry GAA Club at no cost to you.
If you are a PAYE tax payer, please complete Form SPR1 to allow this tax refund be claimed.

Our Charity Partner - Children’s Language Development Preschool

The Children’s Language Development Preschool (CLDP) based in Moyvilla, Athenry, has been running since 2008 and provides early intervention to any child between the age of 2 and 6 who may have a communication, speech and language delay or disorder.
Our mission at CLDP is to provide each child with the opportunity to develop their communication, language and socialisation skills in a collaborative, supportive and caring environment. CLDP is a registered charity (CHY 18513) and relies heavily on fundraising to help with the day to day running costs of the school (purchasing of Speech Therapy Teaching Equipment and Occupational Therapy equipment) and continuous specialised training for staff.
We are hoping that with the support of the local community and surrounding areas, our school will continue to thrive and provide this much needed service to children in the locality. For more details on our school you can visit www.cldp.ie or call 091 877875.

DEVELOPMENT LAUNCH
Plans for the Club's new development were presented at a very well attended launch in the Raheen Woods Hotel on Sunday. Special guests were the Sunday Game's Micheal Duignan, Galway Hurling and football captains David Burke and Damien Comer, Clare hurler John Conlon, All-Ireland winning camogie players Noreen Coen and Dervla Higgins,
Minor Hurling All-Ireland winning manager Brian Hanley, captain Ian McGlynn and Minor Player of the year Sean McDonagh
The large gathering to lively and interesting debate hosted by Second Captains Ciaran Murphy and Aidan Tierney of 'Tierney Talks' fame provided a humorous interlude with his excellent impersonations of GAA personalities and others.
In his address Club Chairman Billy Caulfield thanked everyone for their attendance and complimented all the volunteers over the decades whose sterling work helped develop the club to become one of the most successful in the country.
Billy also acknowledged the importance of the club to the community and its strong links and sharing of facilities with Athenry Camogie Club, Rounders, Community Games, Primary and Post Primary schools.
Plans for the development of new playing facilities were presented by Gearoid Harty and Joe Kelly who outlined the various phases of the plan and associated funding. Phase One has been completed with the acquisition of 8 acres of land adjacent to our existing grounds at Carnaun. Phase Two will be the provision of 2 new sand based playing pitches and lighting.
The initial fundraiser involves the construction
of a supporters wall of limestone plaques. The plaques will contain the name and townland of the donator and will form a significant bespoke monument featuring family names and will be on public display in the club grounds.The cost of each plaque will be €250 which can be paid by cash/cheque or standing order
An excellent Brochure containing all the details is available from any Committee member. The club will also be partnering with local charity The Childrens Language Development Preschool based in Moyvilla Athenry.