Mayo GAA set to develop multi-million-euro facility on donated site - sources

by Aiden Henry

MAYO GAA County Board is all set to develop its own centre of excellence following the disclosure that the organisation is to receive a gift of 40 acres of land in Bohola for the multi-million euro project.

The Connaught Telegraph has learned from reliable sources that a prominent benefactor with a deep passion for the sport is donating the site, which is situated on the Kiltimagh road, within close proximity to the central Mayo village, off the N5 roadway.

With the integration of the GAA, LGFA and camogie associations just over two years away, the need for a state-of-the-art facility with multiple pitches is regarded as integral to the future of the sport at all levels in the county despite the location of the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence 23 kilometres away.

The ambitious move will result in Mayo GAA not proceeding with a proposed smaller scale development jointly with Castlebar Mitchels, which was to entail three new playing pitches.

Now they can focus on a much larger development which is planned to have at least six new pitches, initially, as well as dressing rooms, a gymnasium, toilet facilities, parking facilities, medical rooms, video analysis facilities, a dining area, offices, meeting rooms and other ancillary amenities.

However, the project will place new financial pressures on the organisation, although talks have already taken place in regard to the prospect of securing substantial exchequer and GAA funding for a facility that could cost in excess of €15 million.

An official announcement in respect of the plan is due to be made at Mayo GAA's annual convention in December where more detailed specifics in regard to costs and planning will be outlined to club delegates.

The development is seen as a landmark one for the sport in the county and senior officers of the county board are understood to be excited by it and ready for the challenges ahead.

However, club delegates are certain to seek assurances that the investment will not be a financial 'albatross around their necks' in the same way that the redevelopment of MacHale Park proved in recent years.

A firm commitment to the undertaking will require a huge degree of fundraising to ensure that an undue burden of debt will not be placed on the organisation into the future.

The news is certain to open up a major debate within the sport as some observers will question the logic of having two major GAA centres of excellence within such close proximity to one another, albeit being operated by separate GAA entities.

On the positive side, the offer made to Mayo GAA is one it simply could not turn down at a time when land prices border on the prohibitive terms of starting a mammoth project of the nature proposed.