Oldcastle Utd development plans
Oldcastle Utd were the kingpins of soccer in the Meath & District League for about four seasons some 30 years ago with two Div 1 (now Premier) titles secured in 1987 and again in 1988.
Since then the club has endured varying fortunes, but this week there was good news when it was announced that the hard-working club officials have finally secured land for a proposed pitch at St Brigid's Terrace in Oldcastle.
“This is a major development for the club in their 46th year and the move came about after some diligent work from local councillor Johnny Guirke,” commented club official Justin Burke.
“This proposed pitch will coincide with the Oldcastle Tidy Towns plans for a new path which will run close to our proposed pitch after they were awarded €79,000 from Meath Co Council to develop the Primrose Lane which will see a huge transformation of the area for Oldcastle,” he added.
Currently Oldcastle Utd play in the North East Football League Div 2 at adult level and also have a number of under-age teams. In the past the club has played at Gilson Park.
“Oldcastle Utd will have a 30-year lease and will need the help of the community to develop the pitch, and hopefully a pitch that will provide football for all the kids of the community,” added Burke.
“This idea for land came about when I approached Councillor Guirke to discuss plans for the future of the town and the next move was to enlist the help of local architect Michael Hetherton.
“Next up was a meeting at the proposed site with club treasurer John Stewart, chairman Fergal Farrelly and Councillor Guirke and we were joined by local resident John Brunton who was very helpful with the history of the site.
“He was delighted to see some positive proposals for the waste land and there was also a meeting with Irish Water Official Gerry Boyle to oversee plans of the area and adjust the plans to suit Meath Co Council.
“The future looks bright for our club and we will liaise with the residents of St Brigid's Terrace to ensure plans go ahead without causing too much disruption,” he concluded.