Development Of Our Facilities
Where & When It All BeganCooley Kickhams GFC is situated in the northern end of County Louth at the foot of the beautiful Cooley Mountains and within walking distance of the picturesque village of Carlingford. Our grounds which are known as Fr. Mc Evoy Park were officially opened in 1969 which included a full size playing pitch with changing rooms, referee’s facilities and Clubrooms with toilet facilities. The official opening of the grounds was performed by the then President of the GAA John Dowling. A juvenile playing pitch was developed in the interim years.
We've been busy, here's some of what we've been up to for the past 40 years...
1969 - First Pitch, Club Rooms & Dressing Rooms
Fr Mc Evoy Park officially opened and declared the new home of Cooley Kickhams GFC. Challenge match against Tyrone played.
1988 - Sports Hall
New Sports Complex opens within the grounds which boasted an indoor arena with a viewing balcony, 2 additional changing rooms, a kitchen and meeting rooms.
1991 - Red Cross HQ
The Irish Red Cross began using the old Club rooms as their headquarters for a period of fifteen years, ensuring an onsite meeting room and storage facility for this very popular volunteer service in our community.
1997 - Flood Lights Installed
In 1997 the Club were the first in the county to install floodlights on their playing pitch and these were officially switched on by the President of the GAA of that time Jack Boothman.
2003 - All Weather Astro Turf Pitch
The Club constructs an all-weather playing facility. The all-weather playing facility was officially opened in late 2003 by the government minister Dermot Ahern.
2006 Sports Complex Extended
An extension to the existing Sports Complex opens, including 2 changing rooms, gymnasium, sauna, playgroup facilities, computer room, Club shop, bar/ function room and a viewing stand.
The Club constructs an all-weather playing facility. The all-weather playing facility was officially opened in late 2003 by the government minister Dermot Ahern.
2015 - New Pitch Development
Purchase of 5.4 acres to develop a 2nd full size pitch. In 2015 our Development Committee were successful in their grant application to the Sports Capital Programme and in raising significant funds from the Friends Of Cooley Kickhams donation scheme.
2016 - 2018 - 2nd Full Size Pitch
In 2016 our much anticipated second pitch construction began & was completed for opening in September 2018.
2018 - Community Playground
CLAR funding, & fundraising allowed us to construct a new community playground which was officially opened in March 2018.
2018 - Astro Turf Upgraded
In 2018 with grant aid from Louth County Council under the Clár Funding Scheme our astro turf pitch was refurbished with a new surface and surrounding boards.
2021 - Walking Track Opens
Our new 1km long Floodlit Walking Track was opened in January 2021. This project was funded by a grant from Louth Leader and donations from the community via our GoFundMe page. The walking track is open to all full members and social members of the Club.
2021 - On Site Cafe
The new A91 HQ Café opened during 2021 and is a welcome addition to the facilities located at the club and is proving to be hugely popular. Providing a great selection of hot & cold beverages , breakfasts & lunches, the cafe caters to everyone, both locals & visitors.
What Next?
Future development plans are ambitious and include the development of a new fitness and wellness centre, upgrading the floodlights on our main pitch, a new scoreboard and the installation of new floodlights for the new pitch, fencing around the new pitch and a handball alley.