Laois fundraiser passes €100,000 milestone for pitch redevelopment

Mountmellick Utd have now raised over €100,000 ahead of their sold-out ‘Mountmellick Goes to Hollywood’ fundraising event on October 17th.

The club are raising money for the redevelopment of Smith's field and Conor Davis Park.

This has come from a wide range of fundraisers this year including a 5km run in collaboration with the Mountmellick Roadrunners and Tedfest, a mini festival run by the people behind the Father Ted movie.

Mountmellick Utd chairman Tom Christle said: “Over €100,000 with three weeks to go to the event is huge.

“The support has never been a surprise to me because Mountmellick soccer club has been around for nearly 60 years and the club has only survived on the back of the community.

“Any time we went to the community, the businesses and the local residents and the population of Mountmellick, they have always 100% supported the club every time.

“The overall project costs about €640,000, so we hope that between some sports capital grants, some loans and our fundraising, we will be able to realise this massive project of the joint development of Conor Davis Park and Smith's field.”

Last year planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of Smith’s Field into a multi-purpose community sports ground.

This marked a significant step forward for the club after years of dedication and planning by its committee.

The approved development includes a full-sized Astro-turf playing pitch, walking tracks, pathways, associated groundworks, and floodlighting.

The project will not only improve sporting facilities but also provide a crucial link between two sides of the town, making it easier for residents to navigate between The Harbour and the Tullamore Road.

Mr Christle said: “There's a long way to go, but it's been a brilliant nine months and there's been a great buzz around the town with all the different activities going on.

“The community has come together and it really has been brilliant.”

The club finished its fundraising events ahead of Mountmellick Goes to Hollywood last weekend, which included a pub quiz on Friday at the Druid Inn.

The club hosted ‘Vinyl Night’ on September 26th which included music from 60s, 70s and 80s as well as a live draw for the winners of the Mountmellick Goes to Hollywood ‘Derry Girls’ raffle.

The weekend closed with the sold out ‘Double L Disco’ on Sunday.

Keep updated on the club’s fundraising efforts here.