FOOTBALL boots were swapped for wellies at the new five mile development of one of Ireland’s largest soccer clubs, Carrigaline United AFC.

Purchased in late 2005, the 24-acre grounds are currently going through the design phase with the planning application to be submitted in early summer. With the land currently laying fallow, Carrigaline Parish Priest, Fr James McSweeney, approached the club with a community initiative to use the land to raise money for charity.

The club was delighted to take part and last Saturday morning, tractor enthusiasts and contractors gathered to donate their time, machinery and skill to plough and till the 24-acre site with a collection of classic tractors.

Club members were well represented, with some even trying their hand at the art of ploughing. It was fitting to see young players of the academy kicking a football in the sun on the stubbles while the furrows were turned on the land for the final time.

Shortly, the field will be planted with spring barley to be harvested in August. Machinery, land labour, seed and spray have all been donated for this worthy cause which will see the benefits of the crop being donated to Marymount Hospice, Shine, as well as the autistic classrooms in the various schools in the town.

Carrigaline United currently has 2,000 members with 78 teams playing across their men’s, women’s and academy groups, sponsored by Astra Construction, Induchem and Barry Collins respectively.

The new development will consist of a car park, changing facilities, grass and all weather pitches. Carrigaline United AFC would like to greatly acknowledge the support, help and generosity of the community in helping to make their new development a reality.

Carrigaline United will be hosting a cake sale in aid of Epilepsy Ireland this Saturday from 9am to 1pm.