Delaney turns the sod on new Bohermeen Celtic project

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney turned the sod on Bohermeen Celtic's proposed new development Derek Brady Park this morning and he boosted the Meath club's fundraising by announcing a €10,000 donation from the FAI for the project.

Delaney also revealed that the FAI will hold their annual meeting in Meath in 2019 and he promised to return with more assistance for Bohermeen Celtic and other clubs in the region when the association hold their meeting in April 2019.

“I'm delighted to be here today, it was actually inspirational when I got up this morning in Tipperary and I read the notes about the club and see the seven or eight acres bought for 14 or 15 teams, it is absolutely astonishing to have land like this for such a facility,” Delaney told the club members who had gathered for the official sod turning.

“I know Damien (English, local TD) has helped with funds from the Sports Capital Grant and the FAI will play their part too, so as a start we will give you €10,000 to help the club along the way and we will be back here next year for the FAI AGM in Meath and we will do something more substantial then for sure.

“The way to do projects like this is very simple. The club works at community level, the FAI will get behind you and the government will work with you as well, with the three parties working together you will get a lot more work done.

“Clubs should never be ashamed, don't ever be ashamed, to ask for facilities for kids to play sport,” said the FAI CEO before also inviting Bohermeen Celtic to send 100 children to the Aviva in June for the Republic of Ireland's international friendly against the USA.

Bohermeen Celtic have hugely ambitious plans for their new facilities in the village at Derek Brady Park.

The intend to construct two full size pitches as well as u-8 and u-12 pitches along with a splendid clubhouse and all the associated works.

The project is expected to cost €100,000, but following on from a successful Kube fundraiser and the €10,000 grant from the FAI and funds secured by Damien english TD Bohermeen Celtic are looking forward to a bright future for the 150 children they provide soccer for in the community.

“This is a momentus day for ourselves. We have been planning this for many years, so to see it come so far and get so close now is great,” commented Bohermeen Celtic chairman David Brady.

“We are looking at having kids and adults playing here in April 2019, this is the first step. We raised a few pound with our Kube fundraiser and thanks to Damien (English, local TD) we got some help from the capital sports grant which was brilliant and helped us push it on.

“Now we have to get down to the real business. From when John (Delaney) put that good expensive Darby shovel into the ground you should start to see great progress here.

“It won't be long until we have the kids out playing here, but thanks to everyone who has helped on this journey so far. We will need your help again because this is only the beginning,” said Bohermeen Celtic chairman David Brady.

With so many magnificent facilities in the Meath area the inevitable question of there ever being a League if Ireland team based in the county was raised and Delaney insisted that anything is possible.

“Never say never. The most important thing is to have strong structures. If you have strong clubs with strong elite development plans with the emerging talent programs and all theother programs we run then you have an opportunity to get structures at the highest level, so never say never,” concluded Delaney.

 

Watch the sod turning and an exclusive interview with John Delaney, David Brady and Damien English here