Olympic Legacy Fund has provided £31,980 of match funding
Downpatrick CC - Facilities Upgrade
Downpatrick, Newry, Mourne and Down, United Kingdom
Aim
Downpatrick CC aim to use the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund to support an essential upgrade to their facilities, to support future growth.
Aim
Downpatrick Cricket Club aims to use support from the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund to deliver essential upgrades to our playing, training, and maintenance facilities. These improvements will protect match schedules, enhance player safety, and ensure the long-term sustainability of cricket in Downpatrick at all levels.
Club Background
Downpatrick Cricket Club is over 175 years old and is one of the most historic clubs within the Northern Cricket Union and Cricket Ireland competitions. Our ground, The Meadow, has hosted numerous domestic finals and fifteen Senior International matches, reflecting its long-standing importance to the cricketing landscape.
We currently field a 1st XI in Section 2 of the NCU and a midweek league side. In recent years, the club has expanded significantly, introducing a 2nd XI and 3rd XI, alongside boys’ underage teams at U11, U13, and U15 levels. This growth demonstrates our ongoing commitment to strengthening cricket participation in the area.
As our membership continues to increase and our competitive teams develop, the demands on our facilities have intensified. To remain fit for purpose and resilient to weather pressures, significant upgrades are now required to ensure that cricket can be played safely and consistently throughout the season.
What is our project?
The club is seeking investment to upgrade critical infrastructure across our playing area, training facilities, and grounds maintenance operations. These improvements are essential to:
Reduce match postponements caused by flooding and waterlogged surfaces.
Improve the quality and safety of practice facilities used by all players.
Strengthen our ability to maintain the ground to a high standard throughout the season.
Support long-term club development by ensuring facilities match the needs of our expanding membership.
The project consists of three key components:
Upgraded outfield drainage and spectator-area drainage improvements.
Resurfacing and upgrading of practice nets and the main 30m artificial match pitch.
Purchase of a new ride-on mower to ensure high-quality grounds maintenance.
These developments will benefit players across all age groups—from juniors to seniors—while also enhancing the experience for spectators and the wider community.
How will the money be spent?
The investment will directly support essential infrastructure upgrades across the club. A summary of proposed expenditures is outlined below.
1. Outfield and Ground Drainage Improvements
Cost: £14,770
Supplier: Samuel Contracts Ltd
The playing surface and surrounding spectator and training areas are prone to flooding following periods of prolonged or heavy rainfall. This leads to postponed fixtures, reduced training availability, and safety concerns.
This funding will allow for:
Upgrading and improving the existing drainage system beneath the outfield.
Installing new drainage channels to move water efficiently from vulnerable areas to the main storm drain on the Strangford Road boundary.
Improving surface conditions to ensure safe play and reduce waterlogging impacts.
These drainage improvements will significantly reduce the risk of match cancellations during the summer months.
2. Upgrade of Practice Nets and Artificial Playing Surface
Cost: £20,145
Supplier: Radfordezynet Ltd
Our current two-lane practice nets and 30m artificial match pitch require resurfacing and safety upgrades.
This work will involve:
Supplying and installing new underlays and carpets for both practice and match surfaces.
Lengthening the nets to modern standards.
Replacing all current netting to improve safety for players and coaches.
Enhancing resilience and usability across the season.
These improvements will ensure the club has high-quality training facilities capable of supporting player development at all levels.
3. Grounds Maintenance Equipment – Ride-On Lawnmower
Cost: £14,285
Supplier: Cyril Johnston Groundcare
The club requires a new Iseki SG 324 LT Ride-On Lawnmower, specification:
19HP 3-cylinder diesel engine
48” direct-collect cutting deck with shaft drive
650-litre ground-empty grass box
Twin-pedal hydrostatic drive
This machine is essential for:
Maintaining a safe, playable outfield
Handling increased mowing demands due to greater usage
Ensuring consistent surface quality throughout the season
Total Projected Spend: £49,200
The club will use all funding responsibly and transparently, supported by verified quotations.
Who will benefit from this project?
The Club
Improved drainage, upgraded practice nets, and enhanced grounds maintenance will directly support our senior and junior teams. Reliable facilities will also encourage greater volunteer engagement and help sustain long-term participation.
Players of All Ages
Safer, more reliable training and playing surfaces will benefit every player—from our youngest juniors to senior cricketers—by reducing cancellations and enabling consistent development opportunities.
The Local Community
The Meadow is a central sporting hub in Downpatrick. Improved facilities will enhance community events, attract more families, and make cricket more accessible.
The Wider Cricketing Network
As a historic host of major fixtures, upgraded facilities will allow Downpatrick CC to continue welcoming regional competitions, coaching camps, and development sessions.
Timeframe
The project will begin immediately upon approval, with all three components scheduled for completion before the start of the 2026 cricket season. This ensures that the club—and the wider community—will benefit from improved facilities in time for peak usage.
This project successfully funded on 26th March 2026