Ballinrobe Town AFC take major step towards new playing facilities

ONE of the biggest soccer clubs in South Mayo has moved one step closer to acquiring new playing facilities.

Ballinrobe Town AFC have reached a deal with Mayo County Council to purchase land adjacent to the new graveyard on The Neale Road.

The deal to purchase the 11-acre site has been agreed in principle and will be subject to planning.

In a statement, the club said acquiring new land would allow them to develop ‘best in class facilities’ for its growing membership.

The club thanked local county councillors Patsy O’Brien, Damien Ryan and Michael Burke for their input and advice in securing the deal.

“This is a very exciting time for our club and the wider community. From our first game over 130 years ago we have grown to being one of the largest sports clubs in South Mayo,” the club stated.

“We have over 400 players of which 30 percent are female and we continue to develop inclusive sports opportunities for people young and old alike and boast players from 19 different nationalities.

“This growth has brought with it, its own challenges,” it added.

“With only one grass pitch it is fair to say we are desperate for additional training space. We’d like to acknowledge Ballinrobe Community School who continue to provide overflow capacity and of course Ballinrobe Town Parks for their decades of support. We look forward to working with them both well into the future. The new ground will give us the space to grow and reach the potential we believe we have for many years to come.”

The club have also pledged to install new pedestrian safety measures to complement the existing footpath outside the facility.

In addition, enhancement and upgrade works to their clubhouse and changing facilities at The Green which are currently well under way.

“We look forward to working with the FAI, Mayo County Council and our community and sharing more on this project as it moves through its early stages,” Ballinrobe Town AFC concluded.

Ballinrobe Town’s junior men’s team have secured three consecutive promotions since re-entering the Mayo Football League in 2021.

The club is currently carrying out a major ‘Jungle Challenge’ fundraising campaign to fund the development of their new facilities on The Neale Road.

The fundraiser will see 25 contestants undertake a variety of ‘I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here!’-inspired challenges in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on May 31.

Local businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the event are asked to contact the club at junglechallenge@ballinrobetownafc.com.

ENDS