Upgrading Playing Surface

Aim

To provide a high-quality consistent playing environment for all members, ensuring the pitch meets modern performance and safety standards

Aghadrumsee St Macartan’s GAC was formed in 1954 and has provided Gaelic games to residents of the Aghadrumsee and surrounding areas. The club acts as a focal point in our rural community and continues to offer a wide range of Gaelic activities to all ages. We are an ambitious club and strive to ensure; 

• The continued development of all our children and young people in a healthy and safe environment. 

• Opportunities to play Gaelic games are provided to both boys and girls, at all age groups – from P1 right up to Senior level. 

• There is continuing development of Gaelic games in the Aghadrumsee area. 

• Our club grounds and facilities are maintained to a high standard.

We are crowdfunding to raise money for the upgrading of the playing surface of our main pitch. The pitch was originally built 1994, 31 years ago and has been used by all ladies and men’s teams within our club, as well as local teams and school’s when requested.

Over the 30 years, despite regular maintenance, the pitch requires resurfacing, due to persistent wear and tear from intense, high-impact play, coupled with the local climate. The deterioration has been gradual, where regular maintenance has become insufficient to maintain a safe and high-performance playing surface. The pitch is now prone to poor drainage and waterlogging and the breakdown of the soil structure. Water starts pooling on the surface after rain, making the pitch unplayable for days at a time, creating a slippery, muddy hazard.

When we reach our target, 100% of the money raised will be used to resurface our playing pitch, by removing and disposing of the top layer or soil, testing and fixing all drains and then recovering in sand and fresh soil and reseeding.

Resurfacing a football pitch has a wide-ranging impact on the local community, creating a safe, inclusive, and year-round hub for physical activity and social engagement. An upgraded facility brings significant benefits that extend far beyond the immediate sports club.

Improved public health and well-being by Increased participation: A new, high-quality playing surface can drastically increase the hours of play. This encourages more people, from children to seniors, to get active and join teams.

Enhanced safety: Resurfacing eliminates uneven and dangerous playing conditions, significantly reducing the risk of injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls.

Encourages healthy habits: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of major illnesses, improve mental well-being, and lead to better overall health outcomes for residents

Stronger social inclusion and community cohesion. A community hub. The pitch becomes a central gathering place that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together. 

Providing structured, high-quality sports facilities gives young people a positive outlet for their energy, helping to foster discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills while reducing the potential for anti-social behaviour.

Increased community ownership and pride 

Community engagement: The process of upgrading and crowdfunding for facilities fosters a sense of collective ownership. When a community invests its time and money into a project, it takes great pride in the outcome.

Visible progress: A professionally resurfaced pitch provides a positive and visually appealing representation of the community, boosting local pride and attracting new members.

There are three 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!

This project closed unsuccessfully on 30th January 2026