A GAA club in the heart of rural South Armagh is hoping to raise £50,000 to perform essential works to help make their 138-year-old club “safer, more accessible, and ready for wider community use”.
St Patricks GFC Dromintee has been a central part of the community since its founding in 1887. With over 700 members, ranging from children as young as six to senior citizens, they proudly claim to provide a “vibrant environment for all ages”.
And, while they say their daily activities primarily revolve around GAA sports, they also believe their club’s impact extends “far beyond the pitch”.
The club actively support a wide range of community initiatives, including programmes with two local primary schools, cross-border collaborations, cross-community engagement, joint ventures with the Dromintee Jonesborough Community Centre, and partnerships with local disability groups.
Currently, their facilities include three pitches, a clubhouse, community gym and community walking trail.
Having launched a crowdfunding appeal, the club are hoping to source £50,000 to help fund essential works at their grounds on the Aghadavoyle Road, with an aim to raise 35% from within the community and the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund contributing up to 65% towards the total cost.
Anticipated works include the auxiliary works for the installation of a new field perimeter fence on pitch three; installing a concrete plinth around the perimeter of the pitch and the replacement of sections of boundary fence around the same pitch.
Existing boundary fencing
Explaining the need for improvements, the club said: “This project will create a safe divide between spectators and Pitch 3, preventing footballs from entering neighbouring fields, prevention of livestock entering our playing area, and provide a secure separation between the pitch and our popular community walking trails, used by 100s of local residents each week (many of whom have no involvement or interest in our GAA activity).”
They continue: “This investment forms part of our long-term infrastructure strategy, following a £160,000 community-funded floodlight installation on Pitch 3 this year. The fencing is required to protect that community investment, bring the pitch into full, year-round use, and ensure it meets GAA safety standards for hosting matches and external bookings.
“Identified as a priority in our 2025–2027 Club Development Plan, the project reflects over three years of consultation with members, coaches, and community partners. Feedback consistently highlighted the need for additional, high-quality playing space in Dromintee, where the nearest grass pitch is over 10 miles away and public transport is limited.
“Our existing pitches already operate at full capacity, serving a growing membership including 150+ female players. Fencing Pitch 3 will relieve pressure on our main facilities, expand opportunities for female and youth participation, and support wider community and county-level sport.
“The overall aim of this project is to equip the rural border community of Dromintee with inclusive, sustainable sporting and wellbeing facilities that increase participation, accessibility, and community connection across all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.”
Existing boundary fencing
By September 2026, the club say the facility will host a full calendar of cross-community and inclusive sporting events, engaging at least 10 local organisations and over 650 participants annually.
They add: “The project will also focus on increasing participation among underrepresented groups, particularly women, older adults, people with disabilities, and those from minority ethnic backgrounds. Dedicated programmes such as ‘Come and Try’ girls’ sessions, walking football, mother-toddler activities, and inclusive summer sports camps will ensure opportunities for everyone to engage in physical activity.
“Health and wellbeing are central to our objectives. Working with partners such as Sure Start South Armagh and the Rural Health Partnership, we will deliver six annual initiatives promoting fitness, mental health, and social wellbeing, targeting a 20% annual increase in community participation.
“We aim to maximise use of our facilities, achieving 80% peak-time occupancy and securing regular bookings from local schools, ladies’ teams, and community groups. Environmentally, the project will follow best practice during installation, and financially, it will strengthen club sustainability by generating rental and sponsorship income to reinvest in local sport.”
