Sport Northern Ireland: Creating Opportunities has provided £5,000 of match funding
St. Malachy's GAC - Fit for Purpose 2026
Magherafelt, Mid Ulster, United Kingdom
Aim
We aim to purchase gym equipment which will allow us to make our gym facility fit for purpose for all members of our club and community.
Who are we?
St. Malachy's Castledawson is a GAA club based in Castledawson, County Derry. St Malachy's provides opportunity for people of all ages in our community to play camoigie, gaelic football and hurling.
St. Malachy's is a vibrant community organisation providing opportunities not only for sport but also opportunities for our community to engage in culture and recreation through music, dance, history and language. The club facilities act as a welcoming hub for members of the local community to come together in an environment which promotes belonging identity and community spirit.
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Why are we crowdfunding?
Part of our club facilities is a gym facility which is used by both players and members of the wider community. The gym facility was developed in 2015. Since then use of the gym facility has grown steadily with usage now widespread in all age groups from age 14 and above, both male and female.
The growth in numbers using the gym facility has given rise to a need for modernise the facility and obtain new equipment to meet the needs of players and members of the community. The project involves replacing old equipment which is not longer safe to use and purchasing additional equipment which will equip the gym facility for use by members of all ages, both male and female.
If you're applying for extra funding, this is a good place to demonstrate why your project is eligible so refer back to the criteria to help complete this section
When the gym facility was created in 2015 the facility was generally used by adult members of the community. In more recent times the facility has seen a huge uptake in use by younger members of the community. This is a direct result of the introduction of youth strength and conditioning classes for youth members of the club. Recent years have seen a huge increase in the number of younger female members now using the gym facility. The significant increase in female users of the gym facility has given rise to a need to obtain equipment which meets their needs and allows female teams to train collectively within the gym facility. At present the club camogie team is unable to train collectively in the gym due to a lack of suitable equipment. Our aim is to change that!
How we’ll spend the money raised
All money raised will be used to
-Weights, racks, barbells, plates etc, a dual pulley machine and other specialist machines – to build strength, improve mobility, aid rehabilitation for all our playing members and to also support non playing members, older users and those with health conditions to stay fit and healthy.
This new equipment will ensure that the Hub is inclusive and accessible, helping:
The equipment we propose to purchase is set out:
Mirror System 4 Bay Rig
4 Bays Back to Back.
Quantity1
Price: £2,650.00
Commercial Adjustable Bench
Quantity: 4
Price: £1,040.00
Commercial quality 2.5kg - 30kg Hex Dumbbell set including Rack 2.5 to 30 in pairs
Price: £800.00
BT80 Bar 7ft
Quantity: 3 @ £155.00
Price: £465.00
BT80 Ladies Bar 15kg 6ft
Quantity: 2 @ £155.00
Price: £310.00
Wooden Plyo Box
3 in 1
Quantity: 1
Price: £65.00
Soft Plyo 3 in 1
Quantity: 2
Price: £330.00
100kg Bumper Plate Set
5kgx2
10kgx2
15kgx2
20kgx2
Price: £960.00
Performance Dual Adjustable Pulley
4 uprights, 2 120kg weight stacks, 1200mm box
section, pull up handles
Quantity: 1
Price: £2,100.00
Kettlebell 24kg
cast iron
Quantity: 2 @ £42.00
Price: £84.00
Delivery & Installation
£650.00
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Community impact
The new Health and Wellbeing Hub is designed to be a community space for everyone, not just playing gaelic games but also those who wish to stay fit and healthy through exercise. In particular, the current plan aims to make the gym facility more accessible for our younger female members through provision of suitable equipment.
This project will benefit our community by providing:
A facility which is safe, welcoming and fit for purpose for all of the club community allowing members of the community to stay fit and healthy through exercise. The planned new equipment will allow collective training which in turn fosters a greater sense of belonging and social inclusion.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
This project successfully funded on 7th March 2026