The local GAA hopes to have the field complete by late 2008 or early 2009.
By Paul Schneider
It’s not much to look at at the moment, but for the Philadelphia Gaelic Athletic Association, it’s home.
Over the summer, the Philly division received a funding commitment from the GAA to assist in the development of an 11-acre parcel in Limerick Township, Montgomery County, to serve as the new home of the Philadelphia GAA. Sean Breen, vice chairman of the Philadelphia Division, said that the GAA president Nickey Brennan and overseas chair Sheamus Howlin were “very impressed with what they saw,” and had promised GAA support.
Pending final Limerick Township approval, Breen anticipates beginning work this fall on the complex, which will include two full-size football fields and a 7,000-square foot clubhouse with chaning rooms, a cafeteria and meeting rooms. The goal is to complete the complex by the end of 2008 or the early spring of 2009.
“It will be a place of our own,” said Breen, “not a place that we would have to lease or rent. It will be a place where we can promote Irish culture, hold hurling, football and camogie, and facilitate youth programs.”
Breen noted that the complex also would be a central part of future Philadelphia GAA proposals for hosting the North American GAA championships held annually over the Labor Day weekend.
Selected for its combination of size, affordability and accessibility, the site would replace Cardinal Dougherty High School as the site of all GAA events. The project is being executed under the auspices of the Greater Philadelphia Irish American Cultural Association, Inc. (“GPIACA”), a 501( c )3 tax-exempt organization.
“A lot of individuals have spent a lot of time to see this through,” said Breen. “This was something that all of the clubs agreed to pursue. We’re looking forward to getting this complex built and to having a permanent home.”
