St Ultan's GFC celebrate as sod turned on 'ambitious new era' at historic Marty pitch

Hannah McNamara

St Ultan's GFC turned the soil at their famous Thomas Coogan Park pitch in Martry this week.

This marks the start of an "ambitious new era" for the club. A new main pitch, new training pitch and lights and a community walkway with fencing are among the new developments included.

The club were delighted to host local TD Damien English and Meath Senator Shane Cassells at the sod turning event on Friday, 18th August.

Both as well as TD Johnny Guirke and local Cllr Mike Bray have been a huge support to the club regarding applications for grants and funding.

At the launch club Chairperson Tony Casserly said:

"Martry is one of the oldest pitches in Meath that's still in use.

"This new development will safeguard our future and guarantee that our club can facilitate footballers in the locality for years to come."

Construction will take nearly two years to complete and has been broken down into three phases. The first phase began this week with the pitch totally out of commission now until early 2025.

The contractor conducting the work is Tony Pender of Penturf Ltd who has a lot of knowledge and experience in completing such projects around the country.

This project has been made possible due to the recent Sports Capital Grant secured by the club.

Assisting with the funding is the "strong financial footing" the club has from their successful club lotto.

Although these funds will contribute massively to the developments, it simply won't be enough.

The club are offering people the opportunity to donate through interest free loans and lifetime membership.

The loans have to be a minimum of €1000 and it will be paid back over four years.

The lifetime membership which also costs €1000 includes use of all the facilities such as the community walkway, gym, voting rights at club annual general meetings and entry into the All-Ireland Final ticket draws.

Also speaking at the event was Club Treasurer and member of the St Ultan's Martry project team, Tomás Coyne:

"We're appealling to the generosity of the people in the parish. This project will benefit the whole community. The facilities, track and pitch will be used not only for people now but for generations to come.

"Anyone who contributes to this project will be investing in their localities' future."

To keep up to date with the project follow the club's social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit their website stultansgaa.com