We have to thank so many people in helping improve the track and facilities so much since the start of 2023.
Long Jump Pit & Run Up
The first project that was undertaken was the addition of a second long jump pit, this was made possible by the funding of Noel Kavanagh and Supervalu Westport who footed the bill from Eoghan Cunningham of Cunningham Civil and Marine Engineering who completed the work at cost, the sand was supplied by Corcoran Concrete. We had second-hand astro fitted with the help of Peter Corcoran, PPG Construction and a large team of helpers to help fit it either side of the run up.
In May, we had the new rubber run up poured which was financed by Harry Hughes and Portwest. Westport Lions Club came on board through the support of their Chairperson, Des Ryan, and two Nelco long jump boards and troughs were purchased in memory of Ernie Deacy, who was a member of both Westport AC and Westport Lions Club. These were painstakingly fitted foc by Peter Corcoran and PPG Construction.
Line Marking Machine & Paint
We had a very important purchase of a line marking machine last spring where the track layout was done by Donal from Sport Line Services. We also got a years supply of paint. This was funded by sponsorship from the following; Geraldine & Adrian Noonan, Knockranny House Hotel, Damian & Thelma Gibbons, GBCE, Peter & Gerard Corcoran, PPG Construction, Padraic & Moira Corcoran, Engine Re, Corduff Travel and Paul McDermott, Hastings Insurance.
Toilet & Recreational Area
Next up, we renovated the toilet, ramp and recreational area. A timber shed was transported by Gerard & Padraic Corcoran of PPG Construction from the rec area to the club house, no easy task. The second-hand astro grass was transported foc from county Limerick by Cunningham Civil and Marine Engineering, this was laid at a loss by Eoghan and his team. The construction work was undertaken by Kieran Caine and Caine Construction.
This was partly funded by GMA Funding from the following Councillors, Peter Flynn, John O'Malley, Christy Hyland and Brendan Mulroy.
We also had sponsorship from Platt & Reilly, Michael & Dan Conway, Hemming Enterprises, Ben & Kelly Walsh, Poplar Linens and Westport United.
We held a raffle which was supported by the club members with prizes donated from the following, Harry Hughes and Westport House, Mulranny Park Hotel, Aaron & Catriona Page, Bean West, Elvery's, Paul & Tina Malone, Walsh & Associates and Marian & Joe O'Malley and Cosy Joe's.
We also had shelving and bench seating materials supplied by Dermot and Carmel Kelly from PJ Kelly's.
Wheelchair Accessible WC and Mini Club House
We would like to acknowledge the trojan work that went into the renovation of the Ref's room and toilet at the track beside the rec area which we could now refer to as a mini club house.
The WC has been transformed into a large wheelchair accessible toilet and wet room. Noel Mulroy and his amazing team from South West Mayo Development Company, we are indebted to you all. Nothing was a problem for them.
From demolition work, stud work, plastering, tiling, carpentry, window and door replacement, wheelchair ramp and railings, wet room floor, power washing to coat hooks and bench seating and more. Lads, take a bow. It was an amazing transformation.
A special thanks to John Kelly, Jimmy Mullen and Simon Robertson, who have had the patience of Saints.
We also had an amazing team of parents involved in the job.
Plumbing and kitchen fitting by Tommy O'Regan.
Electrics by Ronan Hehir.
Painting by Martin Walsh.
Self levelling compound by Colm O'Malley.
Kieran Caine and his crew for pipework.
Thanks again to Eoghan Cunningham of Cunningham Civil & Marine Ltd and his mighty men, Ricky Kilroy and Matthew for kango work for yet again coming to the rescue.
Tom Moran for the screed.
On top of all this free labour, we are again blown away by the generosity of Dermot and Carmel Kelly of P.J. Kelly's Homevalue who wiped our complete hardware bill of over €1,650. They have already very generously sponsored one of our sprint lanes.
Wesley Hurst of Hurst Heating and Plumbing very kindly sponsored the wheelchair accessible sanitary ware after already being one of our corporate sponsors.
Cloakroom
The new cloakroom was plastered by Sean and Mick of SWMDC, the bench and coat hooks were done by Jimmy of SWMDC and the shelving of the shed was completed by John and Jimmy of SWMDC, all organised by Noel Mulroy.
Wheelchair Accessibility Project and Westport Smarter Travel
Our latest project was the Wheelchair accessibility project. This project was partly financed through the very generous sponsorship of AbbVie. Sean and Sandra Corcoran of Corcoran Concrete were also major sponsors of all the Lego Blocks needed. GMA Funding was also given by Peter Flynn and John O'Malley. Our Accessibility gofundme page was supported by members of the Community.
We also used funds from the club account to finish this project.
The Engineering work was very kindly completed by James Langan and the drawings were painstakingly done by Cormac Langan. The handrails were sanded down over a number of hours by Martin Walsh in advance of our Community Games event. Francis Cryan helped in moving electrics. The plaster work has been done by Sean and Mick of SWMDC. We have had Stevie Garrivan and Luke onsite shuttering up for the bike shed base. Gerry Galvin of Westport Wall Chasing did the core drilling at cost.
There was trojan work put in by the Development Committee which took months of planning and looking at different options. I think everyone will agree that it was worth the effort as our entrance has been transformed, the track has been made accessible for everyone, the viewing stand has been made safe and the track will be part of Westport Smarter Travel with the addition of the bike shed supplied by Mayo County Council.
The work was undertaken by David Holmes Plant Hire and Damien Fahey Stainless Steel who completed to the project to the highest of standards. The project was complicated in that they had to work with an existing structure and work around lighting obstacles but nothing was a problem for them, we will be forever grateful.
Great things can be achieved when people and Community pull together.
