Work is finally underway on Loughgiel’s third pitch

After almost four years in the planning stage, seeking funding from the Causeway Coast & Glens Council and launching fundraising schemes within their own club, work finally began on Loughgiel’s Shamrocks third pitch on Wednesday. Club President Canon Sean Connolly, a lifelong club member and former player, cut the ceremonial first sod on Wednesday at an event attended by some of the legendry figures in the club down through the years. The main contractors Haffey began clearing the site for the new sand based pitch which it is hoped will be completed before the end of the year.

Canon Sean Connolly who cut the ceremonial first sod to mark the start of work on Loughgiel Shamrocks 3rd pitch on Wednesday is seen here with club officials and some of the club’s oldest members. Back row, L-R, John McKeown (vice-chairman), Seamus Richmond, Jack McNaughton (treasurer), Paul Glackin (committee), Canon Connolly, Brendan McGarry, Noleen McCloskey (PRO), Seamus McMullan, Damian McCloskey (secretary), PJ O’Mullan (committee), Padraig Connolly (committee). Front, L-R, John McNaughton, Maurice Connolly, Maureen McNaughton, Sarah McFadden (committee) and Grace Henry.

Just over two years ago the club unveiled their plans to develop and expand their existing Lough Road facilities. The total cost of the proposed development amounted to £594,000 back then, and with inflation etc, it is expected to be somewhere near £650,00 before the project is finished. A grant of £297,000 was obtained from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, but the remaining funds must be raised by the Club.

The Proposed Development Project consists of a third full sized, sand carpet pitch with flood lights, associated catch nets and perimeter fencing, a 40m x 40m ball wall with 3G surface, fully enclosed and also with flood lights

**An artists impression of the 40m x 40m enclosed, and floodlit ball wall**

The development work was planned to commence in the autumn, of 2018 and be complete in 12 months’ time but such things seldom run smoothly but just less than two years later it is thankfully up and running. Two years ago the club launched the Club Seamroga fundraising project which will cover their share of the cost of the work.

**Canon Sean Connolly, who cut the first sod, is seen here with L-R, John McKeown (vice-chairman), jack McNaughton (treasurer) and Damian McCloskey (secretary)**

Club treasure Jack McNaughton praised the assistnance the club has got from the UCIT (Ulster Community Investment Trust) and went on to add “We want to ensure that our future generations have the best possible facilities. We want our facilities to rival the top clubs in Antrim, Ulster and Ireland. Loughgiel Shamrocks GAC have long been associated with on field success in Hurling, Camogie, and in other cultural pursuits such as Irish Dancing and SCOR.

All of our previous successes have been based on hard work coming from our very proud past, enriched with colourful characters, skilful players, triumphs, great supporters and generous community spirit. With the completion of this plan we hope to set ourselves up for another 100 years of the same!”