New Kilmaley training facility

An all-weather training pitch at Lisbiggeen, in the centre of the parish, is the latest project completed under the direction of Kilmaley Meitheal.
This is part of an ongoing community initiative that has already seen the construction of a children’s playground at the same location, which will also host adjacent playing facilities for the GAA and camogie clubs. These facilities will incorporate two full-sized playing fields and dressing rooms.
The all-weather facility is 63 x 36m with surrounding fence, floodlighting and other fixtures and was constructed by Kilkee-based Sportslawn Ireland Ltd. In addition to local contribution, the initiative received valuable financial support from Clare Local Development Company through the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 and the European Union.
This represents another milestone in the completion of facilities, which can be used by both the local community and people from the surrounding areas. “The development committee is extremely pleased with the generosity of parishioners to the fundraising initiative, which is ongoing for the past four years. Without the continuing generosity of the local community and friends elsewhere, none of this would be possible and it is pleasing to see the plans becoming a reality on the ground. The ongoing support and assistance of LEADER is also very much appreciated and demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership of community and public funding,” said Councillor Tom McNamara, chairman of the committee.
“It will enable people to maintain fitness levels and a sense of wellbeing during winter months as well as contributing to the preparation of teams for the upcoming playing season,” he added.
For more information, contact John Carmody on 087 6178340, carkelly@iol.ie or Rachel Maher on 087 6610508, rachelmaher1@eircom.net
Kilmaley Development Company Ltd, known as Meitheal, was formed in 1995 to assist in the setting up of an enterprise in the community with a view to creating employment for local people. It has endeavoured to improve the visual aspect of the parish and identified a need for accommodation for the elderly, as a large number of Kilmaley’s aged population live in remote areas of the parish.
To address this need, Meitheal provided accommodation for 20 elderly people and a day care centre to accommodate 80 people four days a week.
It also provided a new dispensary and health centre to meet the needs of the parish.