Archive - Plans for new soccer stadium in Kilkenny (1973)

Kilkenny is to have a major soccer stadium. Plans for a £10,000 pitch and dressingroom facilities were announced at the weekend after a meeting of the Kilkenny & District League committee.

Initially it is hoped to provide a pitch, dressing rooms and showers. Eventually a long-term plan involving proper seating accommodation will be worked on to bring Kilkenny up to League of Ireland standards.

“The whole thing may sound somewhat over-ambitious,” explains League secretary Joe Butler, “but it is time Kilkenny soccer was put on the map. We can do it. Otherwise we wouldn’t even start on our own stadium campaign.”

The soccer development would be yet another boost to Kilkenny sporting scene. The GAA already has a fine stadium in Nowlan Park while the Kilkenny rugby club is developing a major sports complex at Foulkstown.

A special fundraising committee, under the chairmanship of League treasurer Michael Saunders hope to bring in enough money to buy a pitch within a mile radius of the city.

“We genuinely feel we can rely on the people of Kilkenny,” said Joe Butler. “We are catering for over 2,000 players and we intend to concentrate a lot more on helping schoolboys and younger players.”

The Kilkenny & District League caters for clubs in Kilkenny City, Callan, Thomastown, Bennettsbridge, Graignamanagh, Freshford, Johnstown, Gowran, Ballyhale, Dunnamaggin, Ballingarry, Jenkinstown, Crettyard, Thurles, Cahir, Durrow, Castlecomer, Royal Oak, Bagenalstown, Cuffesgrange and Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.

The pitch campaign has already been assured of support by a number of leading businessmen in the city and county.

“It was about time something like this was done for Kilkenny soccer,” added Butler. “Too many years have gone by without anything being done.”