Rossas to build covered stand and develop training complex

New training complex and 400-seater stand to be built

O’DONOVAN Rossa GAA Club has revealed details of its ‘Rossas 2020 Strategic Plan’ that includes proposals to build a 400-seater covered stand and develop a new training complex.

The Skibbereen club, famed for its 1993 All-Ireland club senior football triumph, will officially launch its ambitious plans at their Rossa Park headquarters on Saturday, November 3rd, at 7.15pm.

Here, club officials will outline the details of this two-year strategic plan, as Rossas look to safeguard the club’s future and cater for the needs of its growing numbers at adult, ladies and underage levels.

There are three defined objectives in the Rossas 2020 Strategic Plan. 

The club wants to develop a new training complex which will comprise of three training pitches, four underage dressing-rooms, showering and toilet facilities, a referee’s room, storage and car parking spaces.

The Skibbereen club wants to build a 400-seater covered stand at Rossa Park. The aim, Rossas say, is ‘is to provide comfort for spectators, help create a fervent atmosphere for the players and enable the club to host matches going forward.’

Also, Rossas want to establish a defined coaching structure for all their players and coaches going forward.

‘The aim is to develop and implement a coaching plan within the club so all their players adapt a specific game plan under the auspices of a coaching co-ordinator. Coaching and playing development across all the ages will form an integral part of the dual club going forward,’ the club explains.

The club has already made strides forward in recent years. They have built a new astro-turf facility with a hurling wall, developed two full-sized training pitches in the Marsh and purchased 3.5 acres of land on the Marsh Road. They have also completed major works on their Rossa Park pitch including new drainage and a sand-based surface. The club has also invested in new dug-outs, an electronic scoreboard and have created first-class gym facilities for their players. The plan is that the club will have all the work completed by February 2020.

It goes without saying that O’Donovan Rossa will need significant finance to carry out this ambitious plan. At the launch night on November 3rd, the steering committee will outline the various ways supporters and business leaders can help finance their three-pronged package which is designed to provide top-class facilities for future generations of Rossa players.