St Patricks Dromintee Pitch 3 Upgrades

Aim

Auxiliary works for the installation of our new field perimeter fence, concrete plinth and the replacement of sections of our boundary fence

Who are we?

Our club is located in the heart of rural South Armagh, near the border with County Louth, and has been a central part of the community since its founding in 1887. With over 700 members, ranging from children as young as six to senior citizens, we provide a vibrant environment for all ages. While our daily activities primarily revolve around GAA sports, our impact extends far beyond the pitch. 

We actively support a wide range of community initiatives, including programmes with two local primary schools, cross-border collaborations, cross-community engagement, joint ventures with the Dromintee Jonesborough Community Centre, and partnerships with local disability groups.

Our facilities are used by many groups outside our Club as well, such as Jonesborough Primary, Dromintee Primary, Naíscoil Shliabh gCuilinn Dromintee, St Paul's Secondary Newry, Armagh Boys Academy, Armagh Girls Academy, Armagh Minor, U20 & Senior Men, Armagh Senior Ladies. We have hosted Ulster U14 & U16 Girls Inter County games. And, inter County Teams (Kildare/Louth/Donegal use our facilities as training bases).

Our current facilities includes 3 pitches, Clubhouse, community gym and community walking trail.

Our club is governed by an Executive Committee, which is elected annually at our AGM. The Committee follows a structured organisational framework that aligns with our Club’s constitution, ensuring the smooth and effective management of club affairs. We maintain strong governance practices, with subcommittees focused on specific areas of club activity. These subcommittees meet bi-weekly and report directly to the Executive Committee, enabling coordinated decision-making and project management that supports the diverse needs of our members and the wider community.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We are crowdfunding to help fund the auxiliary works for the installation of our new field perimeter fence on pitch 3; installing a concrete plinth around the perimeter of the pitch and the replacement of sections of our boundary fence around the same pitch. This project will create a safe divide between spectators and Pitch 3, preventing footballs from entering neighbouring fields, prevention of livestock entering our playing area, and provide a secure separation between the pitch and our popular community walking trails, used by 100s of local residents each week (many of whom have no involvement or interest in our GAA activity).

Here is the current boundary fence around pitch 3:

These essential works will make our facilities safer, more accessible, and ready for wider community use.

The total project cost is £50,000. Through this campaign, we aim to raise 35% from our community, with the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund contributing up to 65% towards the total cost.

The Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund supports modernisation of sports facilities to encourage participation and physical activity. 

The new fencing meets the fund’s “facility modernisation” criteria by upgrading boundaries at our third pitch, enhancing safety and improving accessibility for all users.

This project supports over 700 members at our Club and a wide network of community partners including Jonesborough Primary, Dromintee Primary, Naíscoil Shliabh gCuilinn Dromintee, St Paul’s Secondary Newry, Armagh Boys Academy, Armagh Girls Academy, and county development squads (Minor, U20, Senior Men and Ladies). Our facilities are also used by inter-county teams from Kildare, Louth and Donegal, and we have proudly hosted Ulster U14 and U16 Girls Inter County fixtures.

Completion of the fencing will make Pitch 3 a safe, fully accessible community pitch, supporting girls’ and ladies’ Gaelic football, youth development, school sport, disability inclusion, and cross-community initiatives. 

It will also provide a secure divide for our community walking trail, used weekly by 100s of residents, improving safety and wellbeing across all ages.

The project aligns with Sport NI’s Olympic Legacy Fund objectives by modernising rural sports infrastructure, increasing participation, and creating lasting community benefit. It also supports wider government priorities for high-quality, multi-use facilities in rural areas.

This investment forms part of our long-term infrastructure strategy, following a £160,000 community-funded floodlight installation on Pitch 3 this year. The fencing is required to protect that community investment, bring the pitch into full, year-round use, and ensure it meets GAA safety standards for hosting matches and external bookings.

Identified as a priority in our 2025–2027 Club Development Plan, the project reflects over three years of consultation with members, coaches, and community partners. Feedback consistently highlighted the need for additional, high-quality playing space in Dromintee, where the nearest grass pitch is over 10 miles away and public transport is limited.

Our existing pitches already operate at full capacity, serving a growing membership including 150+ female players. Fencing Pitch 3 will relieve pressure on our main facilities, expand opportunities for female and youth participation, and support wider community and county-level sport.

Project Aims, Objectives and Outcomes

The overall aim of this project is to equip the rural border community of Dromintee with inclusive, sustainable sporting and wellbeing facilities that increase participation, accessibility, and community connection across all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Our key objective is to complete the final phase of Pitch 3 development through the installation of perimeter fence. The auxiliary works for our perimeter fence, concrete plinth and upgrades to existing boundary fence will transform the pitch into a safe, fully functional, and inclusive space for year-round use by club members, local schools, community groups, and visiting teams. By September 2026, the facility will host a full calendar of cross-community and inclusive sporting events, engaging at least 10 local organisations and over 650 participants annually.

The project will also focus on increasing participation among underrepresented groups, particularly women, older adults, people with disabilities, and those from minority ethnic backgrounds. Dedicated programmes such as “Come and Try” girls’ sessions, walking football, mother-toddler activities, and inclusive summer sports camps will ensure opportunities for everyone to engage in physical activity.

Health and wellbeing are central to our objectives. Working with partners such as Sure Start South Armagh and the Rural Health Partnership, we will deliver six annual initiatives promoting fitness, mental health, and social wellbeing, targeting a 20% annual increase in community participation.

We aim to maximise use of our facilities, achieving 80% peak-time occupancy and securing regular bookings from local schools, ladies’ teams, and community groups. Environmentally, the project will follow best practice during installation, and financially, it will strengthen club sustainability by generating rental and sponsorship income to reinvest in local sport.

Overall, the fencing project will create a secure, accessible, and inclusive environment that supports Sport NI’s Olympic Legacy Fund objectives—encouraging wider participation in sport, improving community wellbeing, and delivering lasting social impact for the people of Dromintee and the wider South Armagh area.

How we’ll spend the money raised

The total cost of our project is £50,000, based on 3 quotations received. Through this Crowdfunder campaign, we aim to raise £17,500 (35%) from YOU- our members, supporters, and the local community. Once this target is achieved, Sport NI will contribute £32,500 (65%) through the Olympic Legacy Fund to help us complete this important facility upgrade.

Works Breakdown Includes:

• Site preparation and groundworks
• Supply and installation of 100m V-Mesh boundary fencing (2.0m high)
• Concrete plinth between pitch and spectator area
• Turfing and surface reinstatement
• Site safety, surveys, and contingency (approx. 6%): 

Total Project Cost: £50,000

Every donation will directly fund the completion of the final phase of our Pitch 3 development — creating a safe, secure, and fully accessible facility for all. This upgrade will protect our pitches, enhance spectator safety, and open our grounds for greater community use by schools, local sports teams, and inclusion programmes.

This project fully aligns with the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund’s goal to modernise sports facilities, increase participation, and create a lasting community legacy inspired by sport. Together, we can complete this vital upgrade for the people of Dromintee and the wider South Armagh community.

Community impact

Our Club has a far-reaching impact beyond sport. While our primary focus is on GAA activities, St Patricks Dromintee GAA serves as a central hub for community life in the rural border area of South Armagh. Our facilities support a wide range of programmes and users, creating opportunities for participation, learning, and social connection across all age groups.

Our wider Dromintee catchment lies within one of Northern Ireland’s most deprived areas. For example, our immediate postcode area is Forkhill 1 SOA) ranked 87th of 890 for income deprivation and 49th for income deprivation affecting older people. Investing in safe, modern, and inclusive facilities here is vital to tackling inequality, improving wellbeing, and ensuring everyone in our rural community can participate confidently in sport. 

Many of our beneficieires also reside in Forkhill 2 SOA which ranks 100th of 890 in the Multiple Deprivation Measure. It experiences severe income deprivation (rank 2) and the highest level of income deprivation affecting older people (rank 1). The area also faces significant barriers to accessing services (rank 94), highlighting the need for local, accessible community and sporting facilities that support health, wellbeing, and social inclusion.

We work closely with Jonesborough Primary School, Dromintee Primary School, Naíscoil Shliabh gCuilinn Dromintee, St Paul’s Secondary Newry, Armagh Boys Academy, and Armagh Girls Academy, providing regular access to our pitches for coaching, tournaments, and school sports days. The facilities are also used by Armagh Minor, U20, Senior Men and Senior Ladies squads, as well as inter-county teams from Kildare, Louth, and Donegal, who use our grounds as training bases. In addition, we have hosted Ulster U14 and U16 Girls Inter County fixtures, helping raise the profile of female participation in sport.

Beyond sport, our partnership with the Dromintee Jonesborough Community Centre, local disability and health groups, and organisations such as Sure Start South Armagh, Rural Health Partnership South Armagh, and Autism NI supports wellbeing, inclusion, and active lifestyles for everyone. Our facilities are regularly used for cross-community, cross-border, and health-focused initiatives, including walking groups, social activity programmes for older people, and family wellbeing events.

The fencing project will enhance safety, accessibility, and year-round usability of our facilities, enabling even greater community benefit. It will allow us to expand access for underrepresented groups—particularly women and girls, older adults, people with disabilities, and those from minority ethnic backgrounds—and support new outreach and engagement programmes.

This project directly aligns with Sport NI’s Olympic Legacy Fund and its vision to improve access to quality facilities, increase participation, and deliver a lasting community legacy through sport. By investing in safer, modernised facilities, we are not just improving infrastructure—we are strengthening community connections, supporting inclusion, and creating new opportunities for health, fitness, and wellbeing in Dromintee.

The Initiatives we will run 

This project will unlock major social, sporting, and wellbeing benefits for Dromintee and surrounding rural communities. By completing this Crowdfunder project, we will bring Pitch 3 into full, safe, year-round use, enabling a wide range of new and expanded community programmes.

Girls Football Development:

We will dedicate Pitch 3 to girls’ football training and matches, supporting 150 female players across all age groups (U6–Senior Ladies). Working with Armagh LGFA, Armagh County Board, Sport NI, Sport Ireland, and local schools, we will grow female participation by 20% annually, delivering quarterly “Come and Try” sessions and new LGFA Fit & Ready and Train Safe Girls programmes.

Mums and Toddlers Programme:

Monthly fun sports sessions will introduce physical activity to 25 mums and toddlers, promoting early engagement in sport in partnership with Sure Start South Armagh and the Rural Health Partnership.

Walking Football for Older Adults:

We will deliver three 8-week walking football programmes for men and women aged 65+, combining gentle exercise and social connection for 55+ participants, linking with Gap o’ the North Walking Club and other local partners.

Inclusive Multi-Sports Programme:

A summer programme will offer adapted sport for 30 children with disabilities, supported by Disability Sport NI, Autism NI, and local schools, providing inclusive, empowering opportunities for young people of all abilities.

Shared Use and School Engagement:

Pitch 3 will host 7 annual cross-community events involving 10+ organisations and 650 participants. It will also be used daily by 300+ primary school pupils for PE and by secondary schools for matches and coaching, engaging 400+ students annually.

Youth and Coaching Development:

We will run 4 GAA coaching qualification courses for 15–20 young adults each year, enhancing local skills and employment pathways. Youth participation will grow by 10% annually, with over 400 young players benefiting from structured, year-round activity.

Health, Wellbeing, and Community Use:

Through partnerships with Sport NI, Sport Ireland, and Healthy Ireland, our community walking trail and the Ireland Lights Up campaign will involve 1,000+ local residents. We will also deliver 6 annual wellbeing initiatives, engaging at least 250 participants.

Inclusion and Outreach:

Targeted outreach will welcome newcomer and BME families from Dromintee through two cultural community days in 2026, aiming to recruit 30 new members.

Community Events:

We will continue to host county-level matches and training, including visiting teams from Kildare, Donegal, and Louth, and contribute to local tourism through events like Footsteps in the Forest, attracting over 250 visitors annually.

Together, these initiatives will make St Patricks Dromintee a year-round hub for sport, health, and connection — improving wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunity for more than 1,500 people annually across South Armagh.

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