LONDON GAA require one last big push from the GAA community in order to meet their £500,000 target for self-raised funds towards the redevelopment of Ruislip.
The County Board have raised around 60 per cent of that figure so far and are thankful of the support that has already been pledged, but although construction has already begun, the last of the funds are yet to be obtained.
“To date, the support received from the patrons of Ruislip redevelopment has been very encouraging and the support from the business community demonstrates not only the need for the redevelopment but the importance of the GAA to the Irish community in London,” read a statement from the County Board.
The realisation last summer that another year’s delay was necessary prompted a re-think on how the plans could still be carried out but within the strict budget of £4.17million.
An artist's impression of how the slight re-design will lookIn the end, the most notable amendment to the plans laid out last year is the reduction in the size of the stand from 2,330 seats to 1,950, while there will no longer be a gym on site.
However, a medical treatment room will still be built beneath the stand, along with the four new changing rooms and referee’s room, while the lack of disabled facilities will also be adequately addressed.
As it turned out, the option to go with four separate contractors proved the best value for money, and the county board insist the fact Tobin Consulting Engineers Ltd have appointed a quartet of Irish companies is purely coincidental.
Sports field specialists Prunty Contracts Ltd have been tasked with redeveloping the pitch – the most financially draining part of the whole process – and Longford company Kiernan Structural Steelwork Ltd will oversee framework.
Fitzgerald and Burke Ltd, the principle contractor, will take care of general build while Brentford-based Foran Construction Ltd have been entrusted with the ground works.
THE REVISED PROJECT
- A completely enclosed ground, north terrace stand, new pitch and scoreboard with camera viewing platform
- A floodlit warm-up/training area to the rear of the bottom goals
- Seated stand for 1,950, with 750 covered
- Four new dressing rooms, a new referee room, storage room, medical treatment room, male and female toilets and disabled toilets plus disabled access and seating
- Completely re-developed drained pitch with provision for irrigation with rain water harvesting via attenuation tanks and well
- Two new entrance/exit routes to and from the ground
- Conversion of existing dressing rooms to offices
- Within budget of £4.17m
Although London GAA appreciate the current economic situation on either side of the Irish sea is far from ideal at present, the board are hopeful Gaels from all counties can appreciate the need for England’s capital to have a ground worthy of their counterparts in Ireland, as their statement further attests.
“London GAA, with the support of Croke Park, is developing our county ground in Ruislip with the construction of a stand incorporating dressing rooms and a pitch which shall be aimed at continued all year around use.
“We are committed to raising £500,000 as part of the total funding required for these works. As part of this fundraising we are seeking the help of our fellow Gaels. Once completed, we will have a county ground to be proud of, similar to those found throughout Ireland.
“For a donation of £125, London GAA will place a plaque on a seat with your name or a name you nominate. Seats are randomly allocated and although your name will be on a seat, it does not reserve you the opportunity to use the seat with your name on any given day.
“Since our formation in 1896 all GAA clubs in London have always and will continue to welcome our fellow countrymen and women from home and assist in finding them work and accommodation as well as providing all the necessary support for those who wish to continue playing our national games.
HOW TO HELP
Cheques can be made out to “Ruislip Development” or alternatively funds can be transferred to Account Number 17739069, Sort Code 93-00-67 in the AIB International, Dublin. Please ensure your full details are with lodgement so we can acknowledge your much appreciated contribution. This account is under the control of Central Council of the GAA.
“Many of those who came to London returned to Ireland after a few years or some even many years later, whether holidays or returning home permanently to family.
“Many will have re-joined their home clubs as players (some winning All-Ireland medals), as administrators or supporters. We are sure that you would all no doubt know someone within your club or even a family member who have lived in London over the years and enjoyed their continued participation in the GAA.
“All members of London GAA continue to support their home clubs and counties in any way they can. We acknowledge the economic circumstances we live in both at home and here in London.
“However, we feel strongly that ‘our vision must become a reality to be left as our legacy’ as we pass on these facilities to future generations, that shall be befitting our association for many years to come.
“We are now asking for the support of clubs and counties at home in Ireland as we attempt to raise the funds necessary to bring our development project to fruition. We would be grateful if all clubs, county boards and provincial councils would consider making a donation of between €100-€200 towards the project.”
GET IN TOUCH
Those who wish to make further enquiries regarding the Ruislip Development and the funding initiatives can contact:
John Lacey - Chairperson London County Committee of GAA: [email protected], 07860512007
Mark Gottsche - Secretary London County Committee of GAA: [email protected], 07872600074
Noel Dunning - Chairperson Ruislip Development Committee: [email protected], 07887930081
Denis Nolan - (Patrons): [email protected], 07831 335655
