Westmeath GAA unveil training centre plans

Westmeath GAA has described as a "defining moment" the unanimous decision taken by all clubs in the county to give their support for the planning and development of a new training centre at Springfield, Mullingar.

Plans for the proposed development were unveiled at a Westmeath GAA committee meeting on Saturday as the county board executive continues its aim of creating a permanent home where the players can "train, develop and prepare in facilities worthy of representing our county".

The proposed training centre will include six full-size playing pitches, a modern clubhouse, dedicated parking and the supporting infrastructure required to create a first-class sporting campus for Westmeath.

"This will be a facility built for generations yet to come, but its importance will extend far beyond bricks, mortar and playing fields.

"As we move towards integration, Springfield has been planned with a shared future at its very heart, a place to call home for GAA, LGFA and Camogie, where our players, coaches and teams can develop, compete and thrive together under one banner and with one common purpose, Westmeath," a post from Westmeath GAA on its social media channels stated.

Westmeath GAA praised the collective efforts of all those who have brought the project to this stage of development.

"To those who had the vision in the beginning, those who have worked quietly behind the scenes, those who have given their time, expertise and advice, those who have helped progress the land, planning, design and development process, and particularly our clubs and county committee for placing their trust in this vision; we thank you.

"Projects of this scale do not happen because of one person or one moment. They are built through belief, commitment, perseverance and people prepared to work together for something greater than themselves," Westmeath GAA added.

Aiming to deliver a training centre of which the "entire county" can be proud, Westmeath GAA said there is a "significant body of work" ahead.

"Our responsibility now is to build something that will serve Westmeath not simply for the next few years, but for decades to come.

"This is a place where future generations will pull on the maroon and white jersey, prepare to represent their county and create memories of their own. The journey has begun," Westmeath GAA concluded.

See this week's Westmeath Examiner for more, including interviews