Dooneen AC to develop new athletic grounds in Limerick

While this piece of news is Limerick related, it might be of interest to a lot of other clubs no matter where they are. Dooneen AC are one of the largest clubs Limerick and according to the latest stats from Athletics Ireland, they have 269 Juvenile and 84 adult members.

On Monday the 21st of August, the club released the following news item...

The first phase in the acquisition of 5.87 acres of land by Dooneen AC at Caheranardrish, Mungret from Limerick City and County Council is nearing completion. The total sum for this land is €70,000 - we have raised approximately €50,000 so far from efforts within the club and we are grateful of the support of members to date. We need a further drive to raise the last €20,000 over the coming months to complete the purchase of the land.

This sports facility will greatly benefit the Mungret, Raheen, Dooradoyle and Patrickswell community area – if you can help by fundraising, donating or giving in any regard, we would be obliged if you could contact us at fundraising@dooneenathleticclub.com.

Thanking you in advance, Dooneen AC Development Committee.

The location of the proposed site to the south-west of Limerick City is HERE

Looking at the map, it would seem that the plan is to develop a full 400m athletics track on the site although this would probably be some way off into the future. The only full size athletics tack in Limerick at present is in the University of Limerick.

From what I understand, clubs cannot apply for capital grants if they don't actually own their own grounds. Most clubs are too small to do this and rent facilities instead.

I'm sure that some clubs around the country will be looking at this development with interest and might give them some ideas for their own development.