Carrick field could help in fightback against rural unemployment

A close-knit village community in the Donegal Gaeltacht is proposing that a community field could be the solution to providing much-needed jobs in the area. 

Coiste Forbartha na Carraige held its AGM last night (Wednesday). The agenda included the motion: “That the Line Road community sports field (football field) be made available to Údarás na Gaeltachta as a site for development to promote local employment.”

This proactive approach by the community could mark a major step forward in the fightback against rural depopulation that has decimated so many communities in Donegal in the past. 

James Byrne of Coiste Forbartha na Carraige said: “As this field belongs to the community we are letting the people decide if they want to let the motion pass and let the site be used by Údaras na Gaeltachta as a site for development to promote local employment which is badly needed in the area.”

Reflecting on the history of the land in question, Mr Byrne said: “The field which is just outside the village on “The Line” road has been basically unused for sports since the mid-1990s.

“Since then, it was harvested by local farmers; up until that it was used for a few GAA matches in the mid to late 1980s and Carrick Town FC played a few soccer matches there.

“There were a few other events during that time, like sports days, as it was in good condition.  But as it was built on reclaimed bog land and it was not in use, it became unsuitable for sports.”

Following fundraising which began in 1977, the sports field was officially opened as Carrick Sports Ground on July 29, 1984. 

According to an article on Carrick On Line, the opening days events were a National School challenge match between Carrick and Cashel, a match between 1974 and 1984 Naomh Columba senior teams, and finally Donegal and Derry minor teams played a challenge match. 

Mr Byrne added: “Many plans and ideas had been talked about over the years to redevelop the grounds but none ever took off.”

Coiste Forbartha na Carraige now feel that due to its closeness to the village it is seen as a great potential site for business units. Furthermore it is right beside the existing Údarás units, one of which is where the Sliabh Liag Distillery administration offices are based. 

Members of the public were invited to attend the meeting at 8pm on Wednesday in the Old School, Carrick, to share their opinions.