Laois Today: WATCH: Construction commences on new full size floodlit astro pitch in Laois

Construction has gotten underway on a brand new full size floodlit astro turf pitch in Laois.

Killeshin FC turned the sod on their development as it entered phase 2 and 3 yesterday.

The soccer club, who play in the Carlow League, will construct a brand new clubhouse and a FIFA approved 3G pitch – on their existing grounds.

Killeshin FC currently has 16 teams in the club with over 300 registered players.

Club secretary Ian McDonald explained how the project has progressed and thanked everyone for all that they have done to make it a reality.

He said: “Phase 2 of our Club development plan is the construction of our badly needed clubhouse and dressing rooms. This is a 3,300 sq ft ground floor with four dressing rooms, club lounge and kitchen.

“We have been awarded a total of €102k from the last two rounds of Governments Sports Capital Grants Programme towards the project with local contractors JC Brenco being awarded the contract. Construction on that commences later this month.

“Simultaneously we planned Phase 3 of our development plan. With huge growth in numbers in our club, travelling to Carlow and hiring all weather pitches for training through the winter months with 16 teams was a huge financial burden so we approached Laois Partnership seeking Leader funding with our proposal to build a Multi Use Games Area (Muga) which would be an all inclusive community facility.

“During daytime it will be available to the adjoining Killeshin NS, Saplings Special Needs School and The Den Child Care.

“By designing and constructing the facility to FIFA 3G standards we can then use the pitch for matches and training for our 16 teams in the evenings and weekends and also make it available to other clubs in our community.

“Laois LCDC were hugely supportive of our all inclusive approach and awarded us €200k towards the project.

“The project was awarded to JNC – Premier Pitches from Co Tipperary through E-Tenders.

“The balance of funding required to finance both projects has been raised by our clubs committee through fundraising initiatives over the past five years.

“Our community have continued to go beyond the call of duty to support our clubs development plan.

“Hugely successful fundraisers over the past five years including both a Lip Sync Battle and an I’m a Celebrity – Get me out of here along with our ongoing Euro Millions Syndicate and our weekly Club Lotto and weekly Whist Drive demonstrates the value our community place in our club as a sporting and social outlet in our community.”

The project began on Monday and will take ten weeks to complete – with the pitch being ready by August.

Check out Killeshin’s video below: