EXCITING plans are afoot in Tulla for the creation of a state-of-the-art astroturf facility at St Mochulla’s National School.
The development is a collaboration between St Mochulla’s and Tulla Camogie Club and the objective is to develop an all-weather pitch, ensuring that sports facilities are available all year round to all of the community.
“In today’s world this is ever more important for their wellbeing and health and
a key part of our Active School Policy,”said Angela Byrnes, Chairperson of the Board of Management of St Mochulla’s. “We’re just about to start our fundraising for 2023 and there will be some great opportunities for all of the community to get involved.”
The estimated cost of the project is €120,000 and a Sports Capital Grant of €45,000 has already been secured. An additional €20,000 has been raised towards the cost of the 40m x 25m facility.
“We were delighted to join with Tulla Camogie Club because they have no permanent home permanently,” said school principal, Brian Culloo.
“We approached their chairperson, Lorraine O’Loughlin, who is also a Fifth Class teacher at St Mochulla’s. While we have two great playing fields, they are out of action for a lot of the year and often, the children can ’t get out until April. Having the astroturf would mean that there are facilities all year round, with huge community benefits. In addition to the Camogie Club, we’ll be able to have other groups use the facility, from active age to community games and other sporting organisations.”
An eagerly-anticipated fundraiser will take place next month and preparations are now well advanced for a major fashion show on February 18. Described as a night of “glitz, glamour and fun,” this will take place at the hall at St Joseph’s Secondary School.
Boutiques participating include Breda’s Fashions, Ennis; Lily’s Boutique, Ennis; Carrig Donn; and Freya’s Boutique, Ennis; all of whom will be showcasing trends in sports, athleisure wear, children’s wear and more.
The MCs for the night will be the ever-entertaining Brian Torpey and Clare Fitzsimons, with some surprise acts at the interval. There will be a monster raffle with some very special prizes to be had on the night. “We will also be hosting a Best Dressed Person competition so be
sure to put on your best outfits on the night,” Angela added. “On arrival guests will be treated to champagne reception, which can be enjoyed while browsing the art and craft exhibition provided by local artists. We have a great venue and are really grateful to St Joseph’s for access to the new hall. It shows the community is really coming together to show their support.”
Tickets at €30, are selling fast. They are available now from Joelle’s Hair Salon, Bia Folláin Health Food, Tulla Pharmacy and Vaughan Supply.
As part of the fundraising campaign, anyone who manages or is employed in a company that would like to support the project, is invited to contact the team to discuss sponsorship and other options. Sponsorship is based on a tiered system, with opportunities including pitch-side advertising, logos on Tulla Camogie Club jerseys and having the company name on a shared plaque at the entrance to the astro turf facility.
An iDonate page is also currently live and full details of the project are available on the school’s social channels, by searching for Tulla NS Astroturf Project, or by emailing astroturf@stmochullas.com. The school can be contacted on 065-6835840
St Mochulla’s has 224 pupils and a long history in Tulla and fosters an environment that values the physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual growth of children. Tulla Camogie Club was founded in 1986 and continues to grow, with teams now being fielded at all levels from U-8 to Intermediate. Last year, the club fielded two adult teams for the first time.