INAGH-KILNAMONA GAA have been granted planning permission until 2031 to construct a new spectator stand, flood lighting and other developments at their Kilnamona pitch.
The 2021 county finalists were granted an extension of the appropriate period of planning permission, meaning that they will now have six years to complete the proposed developments. Attention will now turn to fundraising for the hurling club in order to cover the significant cost of the works.
The amalgamation was initially granted permission to “realign existing private roadway, alter and develop playing pitch utilising natural playing surface cover, construct seated spectator stand, erect columns and flood lighting, construct exercise track together with all associated site development works and services”, at their secondary playing facilities in Kilnamona, known locally as The Pit.
As Kilnamona, the club won three Clare Senior Hurling Championships in the early part of the 20th century, claiming the Canon Hamilton in 1902, 1903 and 1908. A successful underage amalgamation led Kilnamona to join forces with their neighbours to the west Inagh in 2008 at senior level. Since then, the club have continued to succeed at underage grades but a senior breakthrough continues to elude the Mid Clare outfit, despite their wealth of talent.
The club applied for an extension of planning permission “due to financial constraints and significant fundraising requirements associated with community-based sporting developments” according to a letter signed by chairman Oliver Mescall. A number of the proposed works have already been completed at the site, including the successful alteration of the playing pitch, realignment of the existing private roadway and construction of an exercise track at the grounds.
It is hoped locally in the area that the development’s completion will bring continued success to the club as well as improve wellbeing in the area with the chairman’s letter highlighting the potential for “the long-term enhancement of our community facilities for future generations”.
Following Clare County Council’s decision to grant planning permission, Inagh-Kilnamona now have until 2031 to complete the remainder of the developments.
