NIGEL FERRY, the Development Co-ordinator of the Donegal League, has urged clubs to do everything in their powers to row in behind the development of Diamond Park in Ballyare.
The pitch is currently in the process of being relaid with draining complete and its levels raised before four inches of sand – a job that is estimated to take just a week – will go on top of the undersoil with the immediate aim then to have the grass sewn.
As well as that there will an instillation of floodlights, a pitch side fence and a perimeter foot-path will also be erected.
The Donegal League has applied for the Sports Capital Funds grant although as yet that avenue for funding assistance has proved unsuccessful. The cost of the field is expected to be €70,000 plus VAT.
“We’d urge you to as the clubs to speak to politicians or the FAI,” Ferry said at Monday’s night’s Donegal League AGM at Ballyare.
“All of this will help our case. Here at Diamond Park, Ballyare, it is my desire to develop out headquarters to a high standard. We are currently well on with a new pitch and our next phase will include floodlights, perimeter fence and a foot path around the pitch.
“For us to continue the good work we must strive to have the development work well advanced prior to our 50th anniversary in 2021.”
Over the course of the 12-month period from March 31, 2016, till March 31, 2017, the Donegal League made a loss of €1,770, having taken in €78,791 and seeing €80,661 go out.
This is a significant difference to the same corresponding figure from the 12-month period beforehand, when there was a surplus of €23,641.
However, the difference is almost entirely made up of the €26,162 for the first phase of their development of Ballyare, which was made to William Coyle of Pitch Dimensions, who laid 120 loads of top soil.
The above figure paid also accounts for early electrical costs that will form part of the floodlight installation.
Treasurer Declan Sherlock added that the Donegal League’s finances were in a healthy state, with €135,103 cash at bank and in hand.
“There’s €100,000 of that which is being held in reserve for the new pitch that will not be touched,” he said.
Each of the 39 Donegal League clubs play a €200 levy every year to assist goings on at Ballyare.
“Our clubs, through their annual remittance, have contributed greatly to the League’s funds and the fruits of their contributions will now be seen when the new playing surface is completed,” Ferry added.
“To continue we need support and to this end we are hopeful that the current government will look kindly on us through their Sports Capital Programme.
“We were unsuccessful in the last round so surely we will have better luck this time.
Remember this facility is owned by the clubs and by developing Ballyare we are, in a small way, help king every affiliated club.”
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