Ambitious development including full size floodlit all weather pitch planned by soccer club in Offaly

AN ambitious half million euro development will take place at the grounds of one of Offaly's oldest and most securely established soccer clubs.

Clara Town Soccer Club will construct a full size floodlit all weather pitch and viewing stand for spectators at their very impressive grounds at Stanley O'Hara Park in Liscaniskey on the outskirts of town.

There has been a great tradition of soccer in Clara for over a century and Clara Town was established in 1966. It has lasted the distance, securing playing fields from a variety of landowners before purchasing and developing their own ground in 1999.

They now have one of the most impressive soccer set-ups in the midlands with two full sized playing pitches and a smaller one for children catering for 350 members over three adult and 17 underage teams. They also have a quality club house with four dressing rooms and indoor astro turf area suitable for 5-a-side games with kitchen facilities.

The club attracts members from Clara and outlying areas including Kilbeggan, Moate, Tyrrellspass, Pullough, Ballycumber, Tubber and others.

The absence of a floodlit all weather pitch during the Winter months has been the one glaring gap in their facilities and the development of this is the cornerstone of their new plans. The covered seated stand will be a great asset for supporters while the club house and car park is also being upgraded.

It is a huge undertaking to the club and will cost approximately €475,000. They have received €154,000 in Sports Capital Grants and have to service a big loan of €275,000 which will result in very significant repayments of over €3,000 a month while a €46,000 shortfall also has to be collected. It is hoped to have work on the developments completed this year.

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A variety of fundraising events will take place to bring in much needed money. The big one is trying to get individuals, families and businesses to sponsor a sod for sums ranging from €50 to €250. They have a big sponsored walk on Sunday, May 25 and other events are in the pipeline including quizes, car washes etc.

Project manager James Kinahan outlined the plans to a large gathering of members and supporters at a launch on Thursday evening while club chairman Joe Devine said: “^This project is going on. We have been talking about it for the last few years and hopefully we are within touching distance of getting this done. It is for our kids and all our friends and families.”