Pitches

Why can’t more teams use pitch 34 /35 and why aren’t those pitches always in use?

Pitches 34 and 35 are widely regarded as being among the best club pitches in Dublin. The club spent over €1million to achieve this initially and spends approximately €28,000 annually maintaining them – this is the equivalent to 200 adult player subs. A team of volunteers spend approximately 15 hours per week lining and repairing the pitches. Based on expert advice, the pitches have a maximum use time in order to maintain them at a high standard. We are fielding 13 adult teams in the championship and their access alone to pitches 34 and 35 exceeds the recommended maximum usage.

Can the club bring pitch 19/23 to the standard of pitch 34/35?

We are actively pursuing this with Dublin City Council. We need the Council’s permission to undertake upgrading works and the club’s development committee are engaging at the highest levels in the Council to achieve this. We will notify members of any developments in that regard.

How can the club ensure increased access to winter training facilities and astro pitches?

This is one of our biggest challenges given the size of the club and the number of teams requiring training facilities. We have lost access to St. David’s and have had very reduced access to the Alfie Byrne astro. However, as with pitches 19/23, we are working actively to increase winter training facilities.

Facilities

Could the club provide more changing facilities / toilets near the pitches?

This is something we would like to achieve and we have engaged with the Council on this. Members will be aware that the Council installed two toilets at p23. These toilets are available only to players and squad members and not to the general public. However, we have indicated in our engagement with the Council that changing facilities are required beside pitches 19 and 23.

Can a score board be erected beside the main pitches

We are in the process of taking a lease on the pavilion at pitch 35. Once this process is completed, we intend to install a score board for pitch 35 on the pavilion. Additionally, we will seek to install solar panels on the roof.

What are the plans to upgrade the clubhouse?

Our clubhouse is an old building and, as such, it requires considerable attention and maintenance. We have an excellent facilities team that oversee maintenance and initiatives undertaken recently by our green committee will result in some upgrading works including the installation of solar panels and batteries as well as replacement of the windows and doors.

Our clubhouse is used by a range of groups and organisations beyond the GAA club. This generates some income for the club. Arising from recent engagement with members on the development of our strategic plan, it is clear that members want to undertake a feasibility study regarding the clubhouse and its future. This will be undertaken in the near future.

Fees

What are the annual subs used for? 

We have a very dedicated team of members who sit on our finance committee. They ensure that the club’s finances are managed appropriately. It is important to note that the club does not seek to make an annual profit. Money that is raised is spent. We have to work very hard to ensure that we have sufficient funds to offset costs incurred. A very detailed breakdown of the finances is provided at the AGM every year.

In broad terms, however, we have three main sources of income: Members’ subs, fundraising and sponsorship. Our main areas of spending include: registration fees with the various organisations, team expenses, pitch maintenance and a growing team of employees.

Do the annual subs represent value for money?

Annual subs are set by way of a motion at the AGM. Relative to subs required to play with other clubs or to play other sports, the annual sub represents significant value for money.