Killeavy GAA Facility Renovation

Aim

Help transform Killeavy's facilities with new pitch fencing, modern dugouts, spectator seating, and an extended community walking track!

Who are we?

Killeavy GAC is nestled in the heart of South Armagh, at the foot of Slieve Gullion. Established in 1886, we're not just the oldest GAA club in the Newry and Mourne area - we're a cornerstone of the local community approaching our 140th year of bringing people together through sport.

Our membership has grown exponentially in recent years, now supporting over 700 playing members across 35 teams with over 1200 members in total. We proudly offer all four GAA codes - men's football, ladies' football, hurling, and camogie. We're particularly proud of our commitment to female participation, with 14 ladies' teams from U8 to Senior level making us one of the largest providers of ladies' sport in the county.

From our nursery program welcoming the youngest members of our community, through to our thriving adult sections, Killeavy GAC has become much more than just a sports club. We're a hub for community life, hosting everything from school sports days to walking groups, from Scór and Irish dancing to community fundraisers. Our facilities are used far and wide, serving as a vital venue for countless charity events and community initiatives that extend well beyond GAA activities.

In an area experiencing rapid growth through new housing developments, our role as a community anchor has never been more important. We directly support three local primary schools and numerous community groups, with our facilities serving as a vital hub for South Armagh. Through our dedicated team of volunteers and the unwavering support of our community, we continue to write new chapters in Killeavy's proud story - building on our heritage while creating a legacy for future generations.

Why are we crowdfunding?

In July 1957, Killeavy proudly opened what became known as the 'old field' - our original home that has served generations of players and supporters. While we've been fortunate through the dedication of countless volunteers to expand our facilities over the years with additional pitches and training areas, our founding field now needs our help to meet modern standards and safety requirements.

Today, the pitch falls short of current safety standards, with inadequate sideline space and deteriorating perimeter fencing that urgently needs replacement. This crowdfunding campaign will help us widen the playing area, install new fencing, and give the whole grounds a much-needed facelift. These improvements pave the way for future enhancements including lighting and drainage systems, ensuring we have two top-quality fields that can serve our 35 teams year-round.

With over 700 playing members and growing, the pressure on our facilities has never been greater. But this project isn't just about GAA - it's about creating a space that serves our entire community. The upgrade includes extending our walking track and adding solar lighting, making it easier for everyone to stay active and healthy, whether they're playing sports or enjoying an evening walk.

Simply put, your support will help us modernise our facilities to meet both safety requirements and the growing demands of our club and community.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Every penny pledged will go directly into improving our facilities, creating a safer and more accessible space for both sporting activities and community use.

Our fundraising target is £50,000. If we raise 35% Sport NI will contribute 65% through the Olympic Legacy Fund.  

Here's how our fundraising breaks down:

• Perimeter Fencing - £31,000 - Installing new safety-compliant fencing around the entire pitch to ensure a secure playing environment.
• Dugout Replacement - £5,000 - Modernising dugouts to meet current standards and improve safety for players.
• Perimeter works including path - £26,700 - Extending community walking track to full 1km route with stepped embankment

This brings out total project cost to £62,700, therefore requiring £12,700 from current Club Killeavy Development funds on top of this Crowdfunding effort.

Community impact

Killeavy GAC is more than just a sports club - we're a vital community hub. Thousands walk through our gates every week, with our facilities serving purposes far beyond GAA activities.

Our own membership of 700+ players across 35 teams keeps our facilities busy throughout the week, but this is just the beginning of our community impact. We proudly support:

• Local soccer clubs: Regular access to our facilities, ensuring sport is accessible for everyone in our community
• Schools: Both primary and secondary schools from across the area utilise our facilities, particularly during winter months
• Dance Groups: From Irish dancing to set dancing, social dancing to jiving classes
• Fitness and wellbeing: Regular fitness classes and walking groups
• Social inclusion: Dedicated meetups for elderly members of our community
• Youth development: Supporting young volunteer programmes for Newry's youth
• Community support: Regular host of charity fundraisers and community events

Given Killeavy's strategic location and extensive facilities, we've become a go-to venue for numerous community groups and initiatives. As our local population continues to grow with new housing developments, the demand for our facilities only increases. Upgrading our original field area isn't just about sports - it's about enhancing our ability to serve as a community hub for generations to come.

By improving our facilities, we're not just investing in GAA, we're investing in the heart of our community, ensuring we can continue to provide a welcoming space for everyone who walks through our gates.

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!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made