Now, however, the association’s eyes are resting closer to home, on the field that generations of Irish New Yorkers have called home to be precise: Gaelic Park.
The Bronx venue has its limitations, but it’s fair to say that players and fans have never felt less than comfortable within its cozy confines. And now those confines are set for substantial expansion and improvement.
The announcement of a joint GAA/Manhattan College redevelopment project is indeed welcome news. It is also news that is, from the very first words, firmly rooted in a facility that is tested, proven and popular.
According to the GAA, the redevelopment will include the laying down of a new field turf surface, the installation of floodlighting, the lengthening and widening of the field, and the installation of new surround fencing.
When all the work is complete, the revamped facility will allow for more frequent use of the field, both by day and by night. The total cost of the work is estimated at $3 million with roughly half the money coming from the college and the balance from the GAA in New York and back in Ireland.
All is conditional on the New York Board raising $500,000. The first fundraiser is set for Rosie O’Grady’s in Manhattan on March 28. Given the many days of enjoyment that Gaelic Park has provided for people from New York, and beyond the city, this is a cause more than well worth supporting and we wish the fundraising committee a short and successful mission.