Playing Pitch & Track Redevelopment at Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town
TO THIS:
Rationale behind this project
Abbey Vocational School is the largest school under the remit of Co. Donegal ETB. We have a current role of 991 students. We have a proud sporting tradition and boast many successes in a wide variety of disciplines, however we would see the high levels of participation in sports by our students as one of our greatest achievements. We currently have teams participating at all age groups in Basketball, Soccer, Gaelic Football, Hurling, Athletics & Golf. Being the only second level school in this area we have students of all abilities, from all backgrounds.
Current Sports Facilities
- A full size gym, which includes a new state of the art fitness suite which has been recently developed in conjunction with Donegal GAA & Donegal Bay Rowing Club.
- External Tarmac court area, 3 Basketball courts in size.
- Athletics area which includes a 100m Tartan sprint track, dust soccer pitch, hammer throw cage, high jump area, long jump pit and a storage container and sheltered changing area. This was developed by Tir Chonaill AC in conjunction with AVS and Donegal ETB.
- Gaelic / Soccer Pitch. This pitch is completely waterlogged and unusable most of the time.
- Walking/Jogging track around the perimeter of the pitch with lighting. This gravel track is one of the most popular walking paths locally, and ideal for athletic training. However the surface requires upgrading.
Gaelic / Soccer Pitch
Our school has a full size GAA pitch which has not been used for a considerable length of time due to inadequate drainage. Not having our own pitch to train on and to host matches causes considerable frustration and difficulty for our staff who give of their free time to train and prepare our school teams. They rely on our local clubs for the use of their facilities, and this causes huge problems because most school matches take place in the heart of winter when most clubs are trying their best to restrict the usage of their pitches. However, our clubs have always tried their best to accommodate and support us. Having our own pitch would make a massive difference to the way we can promote sport and encourage even higher levels of participation right across our school.
Other
Our facilities are used extensively by the wider local Community of Donegal Town. We have formal partnerships in place with Donegal Bay Rowing Club, Tir Chonaill Athletics Club and Donegal GAA who use our facilities. The refurbishment of the Grass Playing Pitch will have an enormous knock on effect for both the School and wider Community as it will then be capable of catering for Gaelic, Soccer, Camogie training & matches, athletic field sports and other local community sporting events.
Redevelopment Work Includes:
- Complete Removal of the existing pitch
- Levels of pitch being altered to encourage drainage
- Complete New Drainage system installed beneath entire pitch
- Installation of new soil & sand based grass pitch
- Path / track being altered and improved
- Ball-Stop Nets behind both goals
Financial Situation
Cost of Project incl Fees & VAT = €349,664.58
Total Budget = €283,550
Shortfall = €66,114.58
After succesful completion of Phase 1 we hope to continue to improve this facility by
- Installing a new artificial grass surface on the track
- Existing lighting to be upgraded
- Improved Perimeter Fencing
- Construction of a Spectator Area
We Need YOUR help!
Calling all AVS past students, teachers, parents, anyone who has been associated with the proud history of the Abbey Vocational School since its inception to please support us as we endeavour to deliver top class sporting facilities for our community. You can support us by becoming a sponsor
Option 1 - Sponsor a Square
We begin by making squares on the new pitch available to be sponsored for €100 each, to people and families that will be recognised forever more as the donors that helped fund the pitch. Donors purchasing a square can attach their name, their family’s name, or the name of a loved one to it, or choose to remain anonymous. Donors will be recognised on an appreciation plaque, to be erected at the entrance to the new pitch. Please click on the link below, or contact the school office.
Option 2 - Become a Corporate Sponsor
We have a variety of options available for businesses/individuals to become corporate sponsors.
Advertisement hoarding will be placed prominently on the new pitch. New Signage promoting our Corporate sponsors will be displayed in our gym. Links to our Corporate Sponsors will be added to our school website & social media channels
For more information on becoming a Corporate Sponsor please contact AVS Deputy Principal Ronan Doherty
Email: ronandoherty@donegaletb.ie Tel: (074) 9721105
CLICK ON THE WAY2PAY ICON BELOW TO DONATE
