Cilles AC want place to call home

A Bettystown athletic club who made its return to training last week for the first time since lockdown says having no training grounds or facilities is ‘hindering the potential of its growth.’

Despite East Meath having one of the youngest populations and being one of the fastest growing areas within the country with nearly 3000 pupils attending schools in the area Cilles athletics Club in Bettystown has no home.

The club boasts nearly 300 members and junior athletes such as Aaron Smyth, Holly Brennan and Lauren Murphy have all achieved national recognition.

Coach Michael Gibbons says that the young club that formed only six years ago, continues to look to innovative ways to meet the huge demand within the community despite their limitations.

“Last Monday night saw the first tentative return to training in nearly three months for many of the juniors.

“The appetite was so great that five coaches ran four sessions to cater for the near 50 teens on the night whilst adhering to protocols around covid 19 restrictions.

“With Seafield GAA pitches still closed the session was held on public grounds but the club is accustomed to getting creative.

“Earlier this year during the wet weather, pitches were again closed but instead of taking the easy option of shutting up shop the coaches, took the kids to the streets, training on the footpaths, in quiet car parks and doing this under street lights.”

“Our biggest obstacle now is finding a permanent place for us that we can call home.

“Not having one is hindering our development, we don’t have any changing facilities, shower facilities or gym facilities.

“You have over 2,500 kids at the moment in a square kilometer and there isn’t a pitch for them to play on or a track for them to run on.

“We put in a submission to Meath County Council for the county development plan to acquire land for the club near Colaiste Na HInse owned by the Department of Education.

“To the south of Bettystown Town Centre there is a parcel of land identified as open space.

“These lands are within walking distance of the urban core of the town and would have the capacity to accommodate a local sporting club.”

Prioritising the provision of long overdue sports and recreational facilities in the right area, within easy access of the schools, would surely offset some of the overcrowding issues and enhance the children’s educational experiences according to Mr Gibbons.

“Many of these schools are so overcrowded that they are having to use their gyms as class rooms and children are being bused to football pitches and sports facilities at huge financial and environment cost.

Orla Turner, Chairwoman Cilles A/C said:

“All volunteers’ officials and coaches are ambassadors for good physical and mental health.

“We cater for all abilities from juniors to seniors and beginners right through to competitive athletes and we take pride in creating a positive outlet for youths and keeping them engaged in social events and sports within the community.

“Our vision is to secure lands and develop a state of the art athletics track with associated recreational facilities changing rooms and amenities as part of a mixed use sports development that is easily accessible to the Laytown/Bettystown Community”.