Permission granted for Mullingar Shamrocks astro pitches

Planners at Westmeath County Council have granted permission to Mullingar Shamrocks to progress with the installation of three all weather pitches.

The pitch development is part of the club's ambitious expansion plans at Robinstown, Mullingar, Westmeath. The application to Westmeath County Council included details for the installation of associated flood lighting, ball stop nets and dugouts, as well as a new walking track with flood lighting.

Mullingar Shamrocks is one of the largest GAA and LGFA Clubs in Westmeath with over 900 members. They were established in 1953 and for the past 70 years their volunteer coaches and mentors have been promoting Gaelic games in the county town.

In the submission to the local authority the GAA club said: “We believe we provide an invaluable community benefit to the town and its environs. Our underage structure is flourishing. We have dedicated underage teams in all age categories for both boys and girls as well as an excellent senior men’s and ladies’ structure.”

The club said the pitches will expand access to the game: “This project incorporates all eight national schools in the Mullingar area serving many young players from disadvantaged backgrounds. Secondary Schools, such as CBS Mullingar also utilise our existing Club Grounds for games.”

The application, which was made in November 2024, was granted subject to 12 conditions by the local authority's planners.