KILDARE: GAA club launches new astroturf playing surface

Sallins GAA officially opened its new state-of-the-art astroturf facility. 

A massive fundraising effort has taken place over the past 18 months to help fund this new €500k project. The pitch has been designed to the highest  standard and is about 100 metres x 50 metres in size. It also includes a spectator area and the pitch can be split with a dividing net curtain to facilitate two five-a-side pitches. 

Sallins GAA is one of the fastest growing clubs in Kildare and has over 700 playing members, up from 500 two years ago. The club facilitates all GAA codes, camogie, hurling and football across 40 teams, ranging from four years of age to adults. 

It fielded its first ever senior camogie team this year and won the county final against Naas on November 5, which was a historic win for the club. 

The  senior hurling team amalgamated with Kill under the name of Wolfe Tones and were successful in their county final against Confey, another milestone for the club. 

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Sallins senior ladies won their league final in 2023 and contested the county championship final, narrowly losing to Athy. The senior football team were promoted to Division 1 for 2024, the first time in 20 years. 

The club embraces a strong culture of progress and the mentors and committee members strive to provide excellent facilities for its members.  

A number of sub committees were set up in 2022 to plan and deliver the 100m x 50m all weather pitch, including fundraising and development committees. 

Club members were asked to make a €500 donation to support the project and over 70 members subscribed. This individual donation option is still available if members or non members would still like to contribute.  

Pitchside advertising is being promoted  to local businesses to help pay for the project and anyone interested is asked to send an email to secretary.sallinsfootball.kildare@gaa.ie  

Chairperson, Eddie Humphreys said it’s the largest project undertaken since the purchase of the land and development of the clubhouse. 

He added: “It is part of our three year plan and we will continue to develop the club facilities to keep up with the demands of our membership. We pride ourselves on social inclusion and active participation to support a healthier lifestyle while learning team skills and having fun at the same time. 

“We are delighted with the response from our members and the community. The facility will ensure we have year round access to training  facilities while also providing access for Sallins primary  school and other local groups during the day.”

The facilities were officially opened by adult player representatives Kevin Foley, Emmet Ralph, Cassie Collins and Claire Nugent. Also present were All Ireland winning teams  -   Kildare senior ladies and Kildare under 20 team members,  local councillor Carmel Kelly and James Lawless TD.   The facility is available in the evenings  as a five-a-side pitch or a full pitch.