Louth GAA chairman McClean describes stadium progress as "monumental moment"

A momentous chapter is beginning for Louth GAA as the long-awaited stadium project is officially ready to proceed.

On Monday evening at the Protection and Prosperity Louth GAA Centre of Excellence in Darver.

County Board Chairman, Seán McClean, shared the big news during a special meeting, with only one item on the agenda - the stadium.

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There was no hiding the pride in McClean’s voice as he confirmed the green light.

He said: “Delighted to eventually get to this stage where we can say we have the full backing now of the government bodies, of Croke Park and of, indeed, most importantly, the clubs within Louth GAA.

“So, a monumental moment now to be able to say we're ready to go ahead, we're ready to start building the stadium and we're ready to go.”

Tender and contractor

After months of negotiations and planning, the project has taken a major step forward with the selection of a builder, Ganson Construction will take on the responsibility of the project.

“The tender has been agreed, we're into the final stages, just to hopefully get the contract signed before the end of the week.

“We're looking forward to having Ganson Construction on site to build the stadium for us.

“Went through a process there, a very long process, and we have, down to the end, Ganson came out as the best contractor for the job and we're delighted to have them on board.”

McClean has helped steer the project through twists and turns.

“It's been a lot of twists and turns on the road. There has been, but as a project this size, you'd expect a few twists on the road.

“But it has been quite a process. But we've got to the point where we started looking at it. So, I know it's been a lot of work, but we're going to build something that's actually, it's going to make a difference.

“It's going to make a change in Louth and it's something that's going to be there for 100 years and we're just delighted to be able to get to the stage where we can say now, we're ready to start work.”

Clubs and Croke Park

Support has been strong throughout, particularly from Louth’s GAA clubs and key figures in Croke Park.

“There's no question. The stadium committee's been in place there. They've worked very, very hard over the last 18, 19 months. We have several people to thank from Croke Park.

“John Horan, the ex-Uachtaran, was very, very instrumental in making sure this happened and did tremendous work in the background.

“Ger Mulryan, the financial director, has taken this by the horns and he has driven through everything we need to do. Ger was very helpful.

“But at the end of the day, this would not happen without the backing and the support and the help from the clubs in Louth. They have been very, very helpful here. They have been very patient.

“And I know at times they've been frustrated, as have I, but they've put their trust in the county board here to bring this to fruition. And thanks be to God we're in a place here tonight where we can say that we're going ahead.

“So I do want to thank, as I say, the stadium committee, in particular John Horan and Ger Mulryan at Croke Park, but in particular the clubs in Louth. Absolutely fantastic.”

Cost and fundraising

The project will cost around £25 million, with Louth GAA responsible for raising £5 million. £1.5 million has already been pledged through club levies. The rest will come from creative fundraising efforts.

“We're going to have different fundraising initiatives. We're going to have to look at naming rights. We're going to have to look at benefactors. We're going to look at stadium seat sales.

“There's going to be a lot of avenues we're going to have to explore because the clubs in Louth have backed this to the tune of £1.5 million, which is a lot of money, but there's still £3.5 million to come up with.

“We will have to get out there and speak to the people within Louth. We're in a good position on the field.

“So hopefully these supporters will show their support for a home for Louth GAA in the years to come and put their hand in their pocket and give us what they can when they can.”

Timeline

The project will be rolled out in two phases. Phase one will focus on the main pitch and stand, allowing games to begin once complete.

“Finishing phase one, or getting phase one complete, will allow us to play games on the grounds. We'll have the seated stand, a capacity of over 4,000 people in the seated stands. We'll have room at both end lines.

“All in all, there's approximately 6,000 capacity for phase one. That'll allow us in there. Phase two, then, will increase the capacity of the terrace stand when we get to that.

“We need to concentrate on getting phase one done first to get it completed and get the stadium open and start playing games in it. That's the most important thing. We'll look at phase two.

“Hopefully, we can get it done within the time frame. Again, we'll have money to raise for that, so we need to concentrate on that once we get phase one started.”

Once the contract is signed, work can begin at the Dundalk site near the Inner Relief Road Retail Park.

“We can start rolling in the diggers at that stage, definitely. A day, I have to say, I'm really looking forward to seeing.”

The build will take roughly 16 months, aiming for late 2026 or early 2027 completion.

“It's a 16-month contract, so once we get the start date, which is the next couple of weeks, then we'll have an end date.

“Possibly, with a bit of luck, we may be in there playing Championship Finals at the end of 2026, but if not, we'll be playing league football there in 2027.”

Louth football

McClean says the timing couldn’t be better with football in Louth booming at all levels.

“Absolutely. It couldn't have come at a better time. On Sunday we had a hard-fought battle against Kildare.

“Ger (Brennan), the management team, and the team in particular got across the line. We're in the Leinster final for the third year in a row, and I think it's, what, 1914 was the last time it happened.

“We've had three in a row, so we're in a great place. We're meeting our old enemy, Meath, once again. It brings an interest to the game, to say the least.

“Fergal (Reel) and the lads, for the Under-20s, are doing phenomenal work. Absolutely phenomenal work.

“They played a game here last week where they were pretty much washed off the field. Showed their grit and determination through once again to a Leinster final, again against Meath.

“Johnny (Clerkin) and the lads, the Miners, are working phenomenally. They're through to a quarter-final, almost beating Dublin there last week again.

“Every angle, every front here, we're doing. We're out there with the 16s, the 15s, the 14s, doing great work there as well.

“We're in a great place in Louth. It's a great time to be involved in Louth GAA. It really is.”

Silverware

The chairman knows how important it is now to turn these big moments into winning days.

“Absolutely. I just heard an interview Fergal (Reel) did last week where he says, getting to these finals is brilliant, but we do have to break that glass ceiling.

“We do have to get a trophy back. While playing in finals is fantastic, we do need some silverware back in the county here to show the grit and determination these boys are putting in.

“They need some reward back for it. I have no doubt we have a couple of weeks here now. It's going to be a big couple of weeks.

“Hopefully, we're standing here doing another interview and I'll have some silverware standing behind me.”