BANDON AFC are pursuing ambitious plans to develop a full-size astro pitch with floodlights and improved car-parking facilities to cater for growing numbers at the West Cork club.

BY JJ HURLEY

The importance of securing the new facilities was underlined recently when Bandon’s senior men’s team was forced to postpone a Munster Senior League First Division clash due to an unplayable pitch.

On the same weekend, two underage Bandon AFC teams competing in cup competitions had to play their ‘home’ fixtures in Drinagh and Ballinhassig, both of whom have astro-turf pitches.

For club vice-chairman Richard O’Regan, the development is an urgent necessity not just for Bandon AFC, but for the wider Bandon community.

‘While there are 560 members of Bandon soccer club, Bandon Athletic Club will still be using the town park for cross-country and for their younger athletes during the summer months, and the car park will benefit that too,’ O’Regan explained.

‘On top of that, it will benefit the 1,000 pupils at St Brogan’s Secondary School next door, as they will certainly want to make use of it.

‘Thinking of my own time in Bandon primary school around the corner, with 400 pupils, we would also make use of it.’

Hamilton High School and Coláiste na Toirbhirte are also expected to benefit from the proposed facility.

There is little doubt that securing the necessary funding for a project expected to cost in the region of €800,000 will require a significant effort, but O’Regan is confident.

‘When we have to go fundraising, the people around Bandon are unbelievable to us – we know we will get huge support and we are very grateful,’ he said.

‘But it’s not just the people of Bandon. Our support goes wider than that. We have so many members from areas around Bandon and beyond.

‘We are hugely grateful to the wider community, as we serve not just the town of Bandon but the region too.’

While this marks just the beginning of the process, initial steps have already been taken to determine the exact cost of the ambitious project. In that regard, the club recently presented its plans to a gathering of councillors and TDs at its grounds in the town.

As with many similar developments, the Sports Capital Programme – which played a significant role in the completion of Ballinhassig AFC’s astro facility – is expected to be a central plank in bringing this project to fruition.

While challenges lie ahead, O’Regan is confident that the spirit within the club, and the commitment shown both on and off the pitch, will help this progressive organisation continue to grow and flourish.