Tipperary soccer club announces huge development work to commence on pitches

The inclement weather of the last few winters has played havoc with the fixture schedule at Michael Fennell Park with BT Harps' main pitches regularly flooded.

Following many lengthy discussions, and in light of a continually increasing number of members, the club have decided to address the issue.

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Work has commenced on one of the largest ever sports capital projects in North Tipperary where BT Harps will build a full size, floodlit astroturf pitch, the first of its kind in North Tipperary and when completed the project will cost in the region of €600,000.

Like any project of this magnitude it went through a very strict tender process with Tipperary company, Premier Pitches, being awarded the contract.

BT Harps are very grateful to have been awarded a €375,000 grant from the Sports Capital Grants scheme to assist with the building of the pitch.

This landmark project will not only facilitate BT Harps but will also serve the many different teams representing North Tipperary who have looked on with envy at other such facilities up and down the country for many years and will bring North Tipperary in line with many of their counterparts.

As part of this development BT Harps will give all the local schools free unlimited access to the new pitch which will remove the need to cancel winter training due to inclement weather.

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This facility will be a marvellous addition to the town of Templemore and will be the standout soccer facility in the area.

The grant funding is most welcome but will not fund the project in its entirety.

To generate the shortfall, the club have set up a GoFundMe page, and they appeal to all families, members and supporters to support us in any way you can.

All donations will be greatly appreciated, and the club thank all who have already contributed.

To make a contribution, check out the club's social media pages, where you will find the link.

Businesses are also welcome to come on board as a pitch sponsor, and should you be interested, please contact any committee member.