Minister of Sport to visit Kildangan GAA to launch five-year development plan
Kildangan GAA have announced that a Strategic five-year Development Plan and Walking Track will be officially launched by Thomas Byrne TD, Minister for Sport, on Friday October 20 at 2.30pm in Kildangan’s club grounds. Launching both projects see the culmination of a busy year for the club in developing it’s facility and we are delighted to host the Minister for this exciting event.
We expect a big crowd on the day and will have a football skills demonstration by 5th and 6th classes from the local primary school. We invite all in the community to come and share in this special visit and light refreshments will be served.
The Walking Track was constructed with the huge generosity of the local community and many people helping out over a number of weeks. Other developments this year include the extension of the car park, installing car park lighting and the opening of a coffee dock. Working closely with Kildare County Council, an extension of the footpath on the road to the club means there is now a safe pathway all the way from the village to the grounds.
The five-year Development plan is very important in putting the right systems and processes in place to progress the club and all those who participate in and support the club. With a growing juvenile section, we need to cater for more players and put the right structures in place, be it on coaching and games development or club structures and administration. The plan covers this and much more besides as we build now for five years time.
The club is located approx 1km outside the village of Kildangan in South Kildare and with circa 250 members, the club is thriving even if there is a relatively small community base in the locality.
Kildangan compete at all underage levels up to U12 and are in an amalgamation with Ballykelly GAA for all age groups from U13 to U23. The adult team competes in the Junior league and championship. Kildangan also compete in ladies football through a separate team, Kildangan Nurney ladies. Finally, a gaelic for mothers and others team was started this year.
2023 was a good year for the club with the adult team reaching league and championship semi finals. The juvenile section was very competitive as usual and the U16’s won their league. There was inter county success with Lara Gilbert from Kildangan who represented Kildare and won three trophies including the All Ireland Intermediate Championship.