Kilcullen AFC is planning a second full-size pitch

Kilcullen AFC is planning to turn its one-pitch space on the Kilcullen Community Centre campus into two pitches, to help the club cope with demand for junior player places, writes Brian Byrne.

The club recently finalised a lease with the Sisters of the Cross and Passion for their pitch area which included the old concrete pathway around the pitch that they have recently removed.

The Club's Greg Curran told the Diary that the path was in a poor state, and that they also needed the space so that they can have two pitches at the location. "We currently have approximately 200 underage members, as well as around 20 Senior players. With two pitches we can accommodate more young people, and we could also field two Senior teams. I think there could be another 30 underage members added this year."

He said that the club has relied on the use of the Scoil Bhride pitch to cater for training young people, but some time ago they realised that this may not continue to be available. "This would mean that we would not be able to cater for 70 or 80 youngsters that we currently use that facility for." He added that the AFC is 'highly dependent' on the access to the Scoil Bhride pitch and the CPC pitch to cope with the numbers, along with use of the All-Weather Pitch.

Some local people who have used the path while on regular walks have expressed concern about its removal. As part of their development plan, the club will provide a concrete walkway between the Kilcullen Childcare building and the All-Weather Pitch, linking with a newly-provided pathway from Avondale Estate. This is at a point where there has long been an informal route used by residents of Avondale to get to the schools and Community Centre.

The tarmac path was provided by Kildare County Council during recent refurbishment of footpaths in the estate. It's envisaged that linking that with a proper path onto the Community Centre campus will provide a better, and more safe route for regular walkers. Especially during winter, as there was no lighting on the old path.

A statement from the board and management of Kilcullen Community Centre says that since the lease was signed, the former pathway area is the property of Kilcullen AFC and the Centre has no responsibility or say in the management of that area.

The rubble from the former path has been used as foundation infill for the ongoing development of the extension to the play areas for the Kilcullen Community Childcare Centre.

Greg Curran says the new linking footpath will be installed in coming weeks.

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