Always on
This project successfully funded on 2nd December 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Moneymore GAC Fence and Walking pad Replacement
Magherafelt, Mid Ulster, United Kingdom
Aim
We are crowdfunding to upgrade our spectator fencing and walkway for our 400+ membership and wider community.
Who are we?
Henry Joy McCracken Moneymore GAC are a voluntary, community sports organisation, proudly affiliated with both the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association. We have deep roots in our local community, with Gaelic Games being played in Moneymore since 1911.
Today, our club continues to grow, with over 400 members ranging from our youngest player aged 4 to our oldest active member aged 85.
We currently field 11 teams across all age groups:
- Go Games (U7–U10): 2 boys’ teams and 2 girls’ teams
- Youth (U11–U18): 2 boys’ teams and 3 girls’ teams
- Adult: 1 men’s team and 1 ladies’ team
- In 2023, we proudly launched our Gaelic for Mothers and Others team, which has quickly become a vibrant and positive addition to our club.
At the heart of everything we do is our mission to promote and preserve Gaelic Games. Our core values — community identity, inclusiveness, teamwork, player welfare, amateur ethos, and respect — underpin all our activities and help us foster a strong community spirit.
Beyond sport, Moneymore GAC serves as a social hub for the village, hosting community events, cultural celebrations, and fundraising initiatives that bring people together and strengthen local identity. We are committed to upholding the values and traditions of the GAA while contributing positively to life in Moneymore and the surrounding area.
In recent years, we’ve successfully organised initiatives such as Couch to 5K, Mental Health Walks, and Jiving Classes. Our facilities have also supported other local clubs, organisations, and charities — hosting events like the Motor Show and Family Fun Day in aid of Action Mental Health.
Moneymore GAC is much more than a sports club — it’s a vibrant, inclusive community. We believe strong communities are built on shared experiences, common goals, and a sense of belonging. Through our events, competitions, and social gatherings, we bring people together, creating an atmosphere of unity, pride, and togetherness.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are crowdfunding to upgrade our spectator fencing and install a safe, floodlit walking path at our grounds on Springhill Road, where we have been based since 1994.
The current fence and path have served us well for over 30 years, but they are now beyond repair and present significant safety risks for players, spectators, and visitors. The chain-link fencing is damaged and held in place by solid concrete posts, which pose a hazard if someone were to fall. Likewise, the concrete path has deteriorated with cracks and holes, creating a major tripping hazard.
With 400+ members, 11 teams, and hundreds of weekly visitors, our facilities are in constant use for matches, training, and community events. The club grounds are also a popular spot for local walkers and runners, thanks to our proximity to the Springhill National Trust estate and the village centre.
As you can see the current condition of our fence and walking path is detrimental to the safety of our members and visitors but it’s also detrimental to the impact we can have in encouraging people to come to our facilities.
Upgrading the fencing and path will not only ensure safety but also enhance accessibility for everyone in our community. We are proud to already have representation from EU nationals, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities within our club — and this project will help make our facilities truly inclusive for all.
For example, one of our valued members uses a walking aid but is currently unable to access the spectator area safely due to the path’s poor condition. Completing this project will remove these barriers and make our club grounds welcoming and safe for everyone.
(Above is one of the many examples to show the disrepair of our current path and the unsuitability this presents to users)
How we’ll use the funds raised:
To make this happen, we need your support through our crowdfunding. Every donation will go directly towards the costs of this project, helping us to create a safe, accessible, and enjoyable environment for all.
By raising 35% of our project costs through crowdfunding, we will unlock an additional 65% in funding from Sport NI via the Olympic Legacy Fund.
This fund will support our club to improve our sports facilities and encourage greater participation in physical activity. We believe this project will have a lasting, positive impact on our community’s health, wellbeing, and inclusivity – ensuring we provide a space that everyone can enjoy.
Project Cost Breakdown
- Removal of existing fencing and concrete path - £2,433
- Installation of new fencing and gates – £31,418
- Installation of new concrete path - £15,795
Community impact
Moneymore GAC is at the heart of local life and central to many people’s identity. Our village often feels overshadowed by larger neighbouring towns such as Cookstown and Magherafelt, but we believe our community deserves high-quality facilities right here on its doorstep.
According to the 2021 Census, 79.18% of residents reported being in good or very good health, while 20.52% live with long-term health conditions or disabilities. As the only sports club in Moneymore, we play a vital role in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing within our community.
We also have strong partnerships with local organisations who use our facilities throughout the year, including:
- The National Trust – we provide parking and facilities for events at nearby Springhill House.
- St Patrick’s Primary School – we fund a GAA coach to deliver weekly sessions and have supported the school with the purchase of sports equipment.
- Mid Ulster Vintage Vehicles Club – we host vintage vehicle runs and charity fundraising events.
- Many local running groups who use our facilities for both running and parking.
These examples show that Moneymore GAC is much more than a sports club — our facilities serve hundreds of local people and multiple community groups each week.
By completing this project, we will not only enhance safety and accessibility for our members but also extend the benefits to the wider community, encouraging more participation and inclusion.
How you can play your part:
There are four simple ways to support our project:
- Make a pledge. Every contribution counts — and early support helps build momentum!
- Spread the word. Share our story on social media and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to get behind us.
- Offer rewards. Local businesses can support by donating prizes or services for our supporters — and we’ll give you a well-deserved shoutout!
- Fundraise for us. Run your own sponsored event or activity. Just use the “Contact Project” button on our page — it only takes a few minutes to set up.
Together, we can make it happen!
This project will:
- Make our grounds safe for everyone
- Encourage more people to stay active
- Strengthen community pride and connection
- Create a lasting legacy for future generations
With your support, we can ensure that Henry Joy McCracken Moneymore GAC continues to be a place where everyone belongs — now and for years to come.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made