Davy Fitz on board as East Cork Athletics begins drive toward elite facilities

The lack lack of track & field facilities on Leeside has been a talking point this year, with the temporary closure of both the Mardyke and MTU facilities highlighting the need for alternative options.

A huge amount of work has been done in the past 12 months by CEASC (Cork East Athletics Sporting Community) in developing interest in an ultra-modern 400m track and associated facilities in their region, with this energetic group leaving no stone upturned in their ambitions to see the project become reality.

Next Saturday a major fundraiser will be held when East Cork's Fittest Superstars is coordinated by Davy Fitzgerald at Aghada GAA Grounds in Rostellan.

The CEASC need to identify a suitable site and generate funds for a project that will cost €2.5 million.

Next Saturday's East Cork event will give them a much-needed financial injection and there are many ways to help and show for the project. A draw includes fabulous prizes such as a pair of spikes worn by Sonia O'Sullivan and Munster rugby tickets. 

The sporting spectacular takes place at the picturesque venue on the edge of Cork harbour and Eirgrid have come on board as main sponsors. There will also be a juvenile sports day, catering for children of all ages. The entire occasion is being billed as a fun day, with refreshments galore available on the grounds. Activity commences from 9.30am and with over 30 teams ed it will be 5pm before the prizes are given out.

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Catherine Carroll of the organising committee has urged the sporting public to the event and ultimately back the CEASC model to build the very best facilities in East Cork and create a home for the sport in the region. The project is also about developing a vibrant community hub that caters for the diverse need of the local people. 

"What an atmosphere we have in the build-up to the event - it has been so lovely to get the whole sporting community involved. There couldn't be a better time to put a call out for after all the excitement the Olympics created. We do really need our community to get behind us now. 

This is not for us, but for the kids that we are coaching and their kids in the years ahead.

"We want a home for athletics in East Cork and a safe place for everyone to train. All eleven clubs in the division are willing to share the proposed new facility. Everybody involved in this group knows we are resource-poor when it comes to athletics. Hopefully by us hosting this fundraising event, the public awareness will further increase. 

"Once we get our site, we can apply for grants, but we need match money for that to happen, so our fundraising is absolutely key."