McClean: “This is a defining moment in the story of Louth GAA”

Louth GAA officially launched their stadium project at the Imperial Hotel, Dundalk, on Thursday night.

Chairman Seán McClean said: “This is not just a significant occasion, but a defining moment in the story of Louth GAA.

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“This evening marks more than the launch of the stadium; it marks the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter where vision meets action, where community spirit meets ambition, and where history meets its future.”

McClean took time to pay tribute to the people who helped turn the dream into a real, working plan.

He recognised both leadership and volunteerism, stressing that the project wouldn’t be where it is without their effort.

“I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to a number of individuals and groups who, without their support and dedication, we would not be in the position we are today.

“First and foremost, I'd like to thank John Horan, who was asked two years ago to chair the stadium committee and help guide this project.

“John has devoted countless hours of his valuable time to ensure that Louth GAA has finally a home to call his own.

“Louth GAA will be forever grateful for your tireless work, your unwavering commitment, in bringing this project to life.

“A special thank you also to Ger Mulryan, Director of Finance at Croke Park who took this stadium on as a personal project.

“His support was instrumental in helping us keep the development within our financial means and ensuring it would not compromise the future investment of our teams and clubs. His guidance has been invaluable.

“I'd also like to thank Justin Travers, a volunteer who generously dedicated countless hours and days of his own time to help us build the best stadium possible.

“Always focused on quality and value for money, his contribution was exceptional.”

The full stadium committee was also named and thanked for their hard work.

“I'd like to thank the stadium committee, John Horan, Justin Travers, Stephen Lohan, Niall Erskine, Dermot Clarke, Aidan Berrill, Colm Holmes and Thomas Dooley, who worked tirelessly, and their perseverance have brought this vision to life.

“I'd also like to thank the Louth GAA Executive Committee and, most importantly, our GAA clubs within Louth.

“Your wholehearted support, both financial and emotional, has been the foundation of this project. Your belief in the vision and your shared sense of purpose has driven us forward.”

Dream becomes real

McClean spoke about the significance of finally having a home, a place that reflects the true identity of Louth GAA.

“Our long-held dream has now become a reality. For decades, we at Louth GAA have depended on the generosity of our clubs and our neighbours for the use of their grounds for our games.

“We've spoken about the need for a true home, a place that reflects the passion and potential of Louth GAA, a modern stadium that reflects who we are, a county rich in tradition, talent and untapped potential.

“We've played our hearts out without facility to match the fire in our bellies, and yet we've persevered.

“We've built teams, we've won hearts, and now with plans in motion, construction underway and the community energy driving us forward, we're building a home.”

Stadium is symbol

This new ground isn’t just a venue for matches. It’s designed to be a centrepiece for the whole county.

“The vision is finally becoming a reality. The new stadium is much more than a construction of steel and stone. It's a symbol.

“It's a symbol of belief. Belief in our players, our coaches, our youth, our supporters and our future.

“It is the beating heart of Louth's sporting dreams, and it's where generations of players will rise, legends will be made, and young people will learn about teamwork, pride and resilience.

“It's not just a place to play, it's a place to belong. And tonight, we officially launch this ambitious project.”

Community call

McClean made a strong appeal to local businesses and individuals to back the project, pointing out the potential benefits and the values it stands for.

“And we're calling on you, our businesses, our leaders and our local champions to become part of the journey. We need you. Building a stadium is a bold move, and bold moves require bold partnerships.

“We have secured funding from the government, from Croke Park and from the clubs in Louth, but we're here as well to ask for your help.

“A collaboration between Louth GAA and our local businesses and individuals who want to be associated with pride, passion and progress. Louth GAA has a passion and a growing fan base both locally and across the country.

“Your brand will be front and centre, not only on matchdays but throughout a calendar of events, media coverage and community engagement.

“The GAA is about private place, teamwork, resilience and community. Values that mirror what strong businesses stand for. It's more than sponsorship; it's a partnership with purpose.

“The Louth GAA stadium is a multi-million-euro development and while we have the vision, the plans and the people behind it, what we need now are partners who will look beyond typical financial returns.

“Every euro invested in this project echoes far beyond the stadium walls, directly benefiting our youth, our clubs, our schools and our community.”

The future

McClean highlighted the reach and scale of Louth GAA across the county and its strong youth programmes.

“Currently, we have 15,500 registered members across 40 GAA clubs in Louth with an impressive 6,500 children receiving coaching each week.

“Furthermore, Louth GAA collaborates closely with the 70 primary schools with almost 18,000 children.

“And post-primary schools with almost 14,500 children in our region, assisting the teachers with their coaching programmes.

“So, every euro contributed helps towards a safe, state-of-the-art space where boys and girls, from Drogheda to the Dundalk, from Ardee to Carlingford, can come to train, to play, to dream and to become their best selves.

“We believe an investment in this project is an investment in the very fabric of our community. So tonight, we're asking for your support.

“An opportunity to invest in the vision, to back a county on the rise and to stand with us as we build something truly special.”

Central hub

The stadium will be more than just a sporting venue.

“We see this stadium as a destination not just for matches, but for community events, for concerts, for school games, for college games and for celebrations.

“It's a central hub for the people of Louth and let it be a place where our children will cheer, our athletes will thrive, and our county will shine.

“Let this stadium be a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together. And we invite you to join us to sponsor, to support and to believe in Louth GAA.”

Construction partner

One of the big announcements of the night was the naming of the Ganson Group as the construction partner.

“Tonight's not just about launching the stadium, it's also about officially naming our construction partner.

“And after a thorough and carefully considered process, we are proud to officially announce here tonight that local company, the Ganson Group, have been selected as a construction partner for Louth GAA and delivering our new state-of-the-art stadium.

“The Ganson Group, founded in 2004 by Paul McQuaid and David Rogers. David, who has grown up in this county, has grown into one of Ireland’s most respected and trusted construction firms.

“He's been a dedicated supporter and a prominent figure within Louth GAA for many years, contributing both on and off the field to the local sporting community.

“His passion, commitment and leadership are reflected not only in his involvement with Louth GAA, but also in the remarkable growth and success of the Ganson Group.

“Over the last two decades, the company has built an exceptional reputation delivering projects of the highest quality across a wide range of sectors including the healthcare, education, residential, commercial and civil infrastructure.

“They are renowned for their ability to complete complex developments on time, within budget and to the very highest standards.

“Qualities that have earned them respect and recognition across the industry. We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Ganson Group on board for this project, with David, Paul and their experienced and professional team leading the way.

“We have every confidence that this partnership will deliver exceptional results and we look forward to working closely together to achieve something truly special for our community.”