Louth GAA launch five year ticket option at new stadium

Some people may have thought it would never happen, but finally it seems like GAA supporters in the Wee County will soon have the stadium they so desperately desire.

Not since the loss of the Athletic Grounds many decades ago has Louth GAA had a place to call home, which is why county chairman Peter Fitzpatrick was so happy to show off the work currently being done at the new site on the Inner Relief Road in Dundalk.

Alongside fellow county board officials Bob Doheny, Aidan Berrill and Damian McCann, the Clan na Gael clubman was gleaming as the assembled media saw the area that will eventually host their new Stadium this morning.

While close to 75 percent of the costs have already been raised, helped greatly by the Immigrant Investor Programme, the County Board are already looking at new ways to fund the ground. The next step being their hope to sell 1500 seats at €1000, ahead of its proposed 2024 opening.

“We got €14.8 million for the IIP and the €1.2 million we got from the House Draw has already been invested into the field over the last year or so” stated Fitzpatrick when speaking exclusively to the Democrat yesterday.

“That was spent on enabling works and getting it completely ready for the contractors to come in. That will save us a lot of money going forward.

“We are announcing that we are looking to sell 1500 seats at €1000 apiece. We will be contacting people in Louth and asking them if they would contribute towards buying a seat. It would be for five years and encompass all the quarter finals, semi-finals and finals of all club adult games.”

Of course, times are tough, and this is a huge commitment during a time where many families are struggling.

But to help those who want to get involved in the scheme, the TD has teamed with up with Dundalk Credit Union to provide people with loans, should they require them.

“We know €1000 is an awful lot of money, so we are delighted that the local credit unions are willing to do a deal to get the funds at a low interest rate” confirmed the county chairman.

“It is a big ask, 1500 people is a lot, but we have been waiting for the last 60 years and I know a lot of people would love to have the stadium. This is their opportunity to be part of the new ground, as people do want to contribute towards it.

“Our goal is when the stadium is built and we hope to have that open by September 2024, the county board will be left with no debt on the stadium.

"It’s a one off, so we are hoping the people of Louth will give us a hand to make our dreams come through.”