Caulry GAA officially opens new facilities on day to remember
The culmination of over two years of work came to fruition last Sunday when Caulry GAA officially opened their new dressing rooms and gym.
What started out as an idea to develop the existing clubhouse and dressing rooms, borne out of the need to cater to ever expanding numbers, transpired into what now stands between the club’s two pitches; a development which is home to two dressing rooms, a referee’s room and state of the art club gym.
Caulry GAA described the development as “a labour of love at the hands of our tenacious development and fundraising committee”.
In February 2023, a hugely successful Lord of the Mount fundraiser was launched in a bid to raise much needed funds. Three brave men, John G. Buckley, Mark ‘Molly’ Malone and club chairman Richie Higgins were the three wise men who undertook the challenge in a bid to make these dreams a reality. From fertilisers to solar panels, a night out with Foster & Allen and a mock wedding in between, this campaign brought plenty of entertainment and memories and helped raise the funds along the way.
A year later, the crowned lord himself, John G and his army of men broke ground on February 10, 2024 and within the short space of ten months, the doors of the club gym and dressing rooms began welcoming players and members.
The club celebrated this achievement with a myriad of activities on Sunday last. The club’s boys and girls underage teams kicked off the action with a series of mini-games before local musicians and singers took to the stage to entertain the large crowd.
Three of last year’s winning underage teams were presented with their long-awaited medals: the girls’ U14 Division 2 League winners, girls’ U14 Division 6 championship winners and boys’ Minor Division 2 winners.
Special guests on the day, Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall and LGFA president Trina Murray, both commended the new club facilities, while Caulry chairman Richie Higgins also addressed the gathering.
Fr PJ Hughes blessed the new facilities before the cutting of the ribbon by club president Richie Allen. Later that night, the club’s Junior B winners were also presented with their medals and a night of music and entertainment followed.
“A massive thank you to all who helped out in making it such a successful and memorable day for our club,” said Caulry GAA.
*See more photos in this week's Westmeath Independent.