Ferbane GAA embarks on fundraising challenge to 'benefit generations to come'

Ferbane GAA has announced an upcoming Challenge Walk to aid its efforts to undertake a major €500,000+ redevelopment project at its grounds.

The redevelopment project includes installing main pitch floodlighting, accessibly clubhouse upgrades including lift and new stairwell, as well as a new heating system, windows and insulation.

The club has said that the project is part of plans 'to create a modern, accessible and energy-efficient community hub for the parish'.

The club said it has already secured almost €170,000 in funding, but that even with successful LEADER, Sports Capital and CLÁR funding applications, the club must raise over €120,000 locally. It added that 'every euro raised can help unlock significant additional grant support'.

Ferbane GAA said; 'The club has been at the heart of our parish for well over a century. From our first Offaly Senior title in 1914, through to the great teams of the 1970s and 1980s and the Leinster Club title of 1986, to the County Championship in 2019 and this year's Division 1 League title, the Green and White has always carried the pride of the people who live here. But our club is about much more than silverware. Our grounds are shared continuously across sporting codes - including Ferbane/Belmont Minor GAA, Naomh Ciarán LGFA, and Belmont Hurling & Camogie Clubs - as well as vital local community partners like St Hilda’s Services, Gallen Community School and our local Active Age group.

'To continue serving them and to respond to the community space need identified in Ferbane Town Centre First Plan, we are upgrading and need help with the Ferbane GAA Parish Challenge'.

As part of the fundraising effort, Ferbane GAA are asking players and families to get behind its Canal Greenway Parish Walk on Saturday, November 21. The walk will begin from Turraun Nature Reserve at 11am with a 15km route taking participants to Shannon Harbour. Ferbane GAA will provide a shuttle bus home at certain times from the finish point.

The club said: 'By tracing this historic route, our challenge celebrates where we came from while building for who we are today. A scenic, fully accessible and family-friendly walk along the canal townpath'.

Sign-up to walk all or part of the Turraun to Shannon Harbour route or to donate to the effort at https://ferbanegaa.fundmajor.com/

The club has also encouraged people to share the fundraising link with family, friends, colleagues and the wider Ferbane diaspora to 'help us create facilities that will benefit our community for generations to come'.