Groundbreaking Moment…First Sod Turned at County Training Facility

Groundbreaking moment as Jimmy Smyth turns first sod at new County Training Centre. Pictured L-R: Paul McCreanor (mccreanor architects), Eamon Douglas (St. Malachy’s GAA), Peter Murphy (Project board Chairperson), President Jimmy Smyth, Paul McArdle (Armagh Chairperson), Clive Richardson (contractor) and Gregg Seely (consultant engineer).

First Sod Turned for Multimillion-Pound Training Facility

PRESIDENT of Armagh GAA, Jimmy Smyth proudly marks a significant milestone as the first sod is turned for the groundbreaking £10m county training facility at St Malachy’s Portadown. The development of the 26-acre site on the outskirts of Portadown is now officially underway.

Chairperson of Armagh GAA, Paul McArdle, said, “This marks a historic moment for Armagh GAA and we are thrilled to see the commencement of this ambitious project. This will be game-changing for our players, teams, and coaches in their preparation to play and perform at the highest level.

We are also excited to launch a new fundraising initiative ‘Momentum Ard Mhacha’ for individuals and businesses to become part of our journey and be architects for the future. We are extremely grateful to all our current members and we very much welcome new members to help us lay the foundations for generations to come.

The multimillion-pound project will be delivered in a phased approach, with a major focus on completing two sand-based floodlit pitches and a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning facility, fully operational by the end of the season, representing an initial investment of £2 million. This crucial step underscores the dedication to delivering top-notch training facilitiesfor football and hurling.

President Jimmy Smyth added, “The start of the county training facility is a proud moment for everyone involved. This much-needed facility will undoubtedly boost playerdevelopment and serve as a high-performance hub. It’s absolutely vital we create an environment for underage and adult players to reach their full potential.

Appointed contractor and sportsground design specialists Clive Richardson Ltd will overseethe first phase pitch delivery. In the second phase of the project, an additional £2m investment will expand the facility, bringing the total number of pitches to four. 

This visionary and ambitious project to increase training facilities for county teams and development squads for football and hurling is a commitment to the growth and prosperity of the county that continues to build and shape a bright future for the orange and white. 

Armagh GAA invites individuals and businesses to become part of this transformative journey and become members of Momentum Ard Mhacha, for more information visit www.armaghgaa.net/momentum

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