THE 2025 U21A hurling champions had originally applied for several developments at their playing pitch located in the townlands of Shallee and Ballymongaun.
One of the few senior hurling outfits west of Ennis, the club was formed by the amalgamation of the Inagh and Kilnamona hurling clubs at senior level in 2008, encouraged by multiple underage victories together.
The club had initially applied for permission to “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”, as per their original application.
While permission was granted by Clare County Council, the amalgamation are now seeking a lengthy extension to complete the works in Kilnamona, known locally as The Pit.
An application lodged with the planning department by Ennis-based consultants Brian Foudy & Associates on May 22nd is requesting a 5 year extension of planning permission “up to and including May 31 2031”.
The application goes on to state that a number of the proposed works have already been completed including the successful alteration of the playing pitch, realignment of the existing private roadway and construction of an exercise track at the grounds.
A letter from Inagh-Kilnamona GAA attached in the application goes on to say why the project has stalled.
The club explains that “due to financial constraints and significant fundraising requirements associated with community-based sporting developments” has prevented construction of a seated spectator stand and erections of columns and flood lighting from being completed.
Signed by club chairman Oliver Mescal, the letter highlights that the developments completed so far have benefitted the local community in a number of ways, including increased traffic management and wellbeing from the exercise track.
The letter makes the case that the project is in line with Clare County Council’s objectives of “promoting rural community development, physical activity, social inclusion and sustainable sporting participation in County Clare”.
Finalists in 2021, a maiden Clare Senior Hurling Championship continues to elude Inamona, despite numerous successes at minor and U21 grades.
Locally, it is hoped that full completion of the development and enhanced facilities will bring further successes to the amalgamation. The club’s letter outlines it is fully committed to completing the works within the proposed extension, if granted, and that it will ensure “the long-term enhancement of our community facilities for future generations”.
Clare County Council is due to make a decision on the application by 16th of July 2026. Members of the public can issue objections for the next five weeks, following receipt of the application by the local authority.
