 It's Milford GA and Milford Athletics Club have again come together and this time they bought nine acres of land to develop a pitch and all weather pitch and an astroturf training area. And I'm joined now by two gentlemen in the studio to talk a little bit about the development because nine acres that's a sizable development and Joe McNulty is assistant treasurer and a lifelong member of Milford GA and then there's Kevin Mills, one of the founding members of Milford GA. Gentlemen, thanks for coming in. John, good morning. Thank you. Good afternoon. That's right. But anyway, this is a big nine acres. You know, don't enter into something like that lightly, but you know, there's a need for it. There's a bad need as it goes. In a way, is it to secure the future? Yeah, probably before we start, John, this is a Milford GA club development as an exclusive development. Now, the other clubs in the area is also doing developments in and around that area as well. This is an exclusive GA development. And of course, if we go back to when the club was formed in 1983, prior to that, we used to be playing with Downins, Kerman, Fannet. So there was a regrading done of clubs in that area, and we're all regraded. So Milford was tasked with developing a club of its own and separating from those other clubs who also had to develop and evolve. So in 1983, the club was formed in the old Milford Tech in Milford by some stalwarts, some of them unfortunately aren't with us today. And there was an embarked on the journey of developing a GA club in Milford, which was no main task at that time. So the club has evolved and developed on and off the pitch since then. And so that's really where the bit of the background to it. The casual observer, Joe, would probably look down at the grounds and go, they're fantastic grounds on the edge of town, a lovely setting, nice pitch. But you need more. We've grown that pitch, unfortunately. Or fortunately, as I say, we have grown that pitch. Our membership in 2014 was 248. Our membership today is 766. Big increase, yeah. No, that's broken down roughly half and half male and female. And we have 188 youth members this year and 159 female members this year. This growth has put a lot of pressure on the existing ground. And during the summer time, especially, it's very hard to get a slot for training and for underage and parish league and foundation coaches. It's for training and games. Training and games, yeah. Multiple games in the one day. Yeah. So about eight years ago, we did a survey of the area. We looked at the population, looked at the schools, the demographics, the number of pupils and all the rest. And as a result of that, we put in a full-time coach into the schools. And that's when our numbers really exploded on the rage level. And you know, it's great to see at any club, but it also brings its headaches because you've got to put in the facilities then to accommodate all these members. Yeah. When you're developing and especially in capital projects, football can suffer, you know, your energies and your all your energy is going into development, raising bonds, looking at grants, looking at this, that and the other. And you're inclined, football can go on the backbone of it. So it's a balance of night to try and keep both. Absolutely. It is a job in itself and it can tie up a committee. I understand, whereas they would prefer to be focusing on the actual playing side of things. But this has to be done and it is to bring the club forward. So the the the new ground that's been developed right beside the existing. Yeah, they were the first phase one was kind of go out, source the land, procure the land, fundraise initially for phase one. So we're kind of ticking it in phases, John. So we purchased the land, the nine point two acres. We got the legal aspect of it, got the plans drawn up for the overall project. So that is kind of done, dusted over the line. So now we're embarking on the next phase. And again, that's a significant journey that we're embarking on. And when you think of the stalwarts in 1983 that's embarked on the initial journey, we as a club could have stood still and said, listen, things are fine, they're grand, but we can and need to look at beyond us and our grandchildren and look at the bigger picture. So we're taking the next phase and chunks from one of a better word. So we're now looking at developing of the AstroTurf because that is our most need. And because only for the local resources like Rathmell and Celtic, Shrolly Rovers, Remelton Community Centre, Rye, Loretto Convent, Community School and Mulford, these are keeping us going. We are depending on them. They have all weather pitches, all weather pitches. So our mayor board is going out looking for those actually begging for the use of them. So this is going to be a pivotal part of the next phase of getting the AstroTurf all weather available and being able to play underage games on that is massive. All right. And then the next phase of the development will involve Wachio. The next phase will be development of the full-size football pitch, which stand and lighting. That will give you a second pitch. It will give us a second pitch and we will be able to use our existing pitch for the plan is that most underage football will be played on that pitch. And then the final phase will be the building of an indoor centre. This is down the road a couple of years. We have the ground. We have the planning, everything's in place, but it's a long term project and it's going to take a lot of money. That's I was just going to say, it all takes money, hence the big development draw. Great idea for a first prize, BMW car. Yes, there was a separate committee set up to look at that aspect of it. And they felt it was attractive. It was any car, any substantial prize. Yeah, so we opted for a BMW. Mm-hmm. There's other prizes as well. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, the first prize is the BMW 330EM Sport. Second is a holiday voucher for 3,000. Third is a two night stay in the Ivy Gardens Hotel Dublin plus five hundred pound component expender money. Port prize is a two night stay in the Downings Hotel plus green fees in Port Salon Golf Club. And the fifth prize is two tickets to a home man United game. Right. Mightn't be too happy after last night. Those are the list of prizes. And I mostly know the response has been tremendous so far. We've had great support from surrounding clubs, or ribbon clubs, especially have all bought into it. It's a very attractive ticket and it is. It's priced very well, like one for 25, three for 50 and seven for 100. So if you're struck for Christmas prizes coming up or Christmas presents, a good gift to give. Yeah, you'll be given a gift for all the community when you buy one. Yeah. And I think I think, John, as well, when you look at the club and this applies to all clubs now, there's the on the pitch activity goes on in the club. But certainly what is more important now is the off the pitch facilities and off off the pitch events like health and well being initiatives, mental health, suicide prevention, health checks, charities, charity walks, different things that all the clubs are involved in. And we actually embarked on that journey as well back five years ago. And we now are a gold club from a point of a healthy club perspective. So that is why the pitch is important and the underage. But also you have to look at bigger picture senior members of the parish charities are struggling. So we're very much immersed and based in the parish. And I think that's something that the club executive really embarked on that journey as well, to as a parallel to the bigger issues. It's great in Milford that the three clubs, the ethics club, the soccer club and the GA are all at the one location. And it's it's important that facilities like we're chatting about are available. It's just it brings a community on, doesn't it? Big time. And even even a very simple thing like, yeah, as I say, they're all separate developments. But certainly, like we know the same individuals, we know the same people that's deriving these. So we're all very supportive of one another. But even, for example, the very basic thing like a walk and track round or Mildview Park, that's for everybody. You don't have to be a member of neither of any of those clubs. So again, that's the simple thing that can make a massive difference. And if you were down there any morning and seeing the people that use that facility, it's amazing. Great in any town and any community. Well, the best of luck with the draw for five good, well, four good reasons under United to one then to buy a ticket. So the tickets are available from any club member, I presume. Yeah, unfortunately, probably people's tired. We're not been knocking the doors, John. Every night, there's cars hitting out. And I really appreciate and thank people for their tolerance. We knock on doors. We set seal about half six. It has to be done. It has to be done. We're shopping centers, shops have been very good, the community. So if we're out and about, bear with us. Thank you for your support. Our patients, we have about three weeks leading to the draw, which is on the 30th of December. OK. Our four weeks really leading. So bear with us and we really appreciate your support. And as Joe says, the Christmas gift seems to be a real winner. And on Saturday, a farmer on the way from the market walked in and bought seven tickets. He said they're going to his family. And we talked about the price of cattle and different things. As he walked out, Dory turns and says, give me another three. That'll cover my cousins on the way home this evening. So only in more visitors like that. I said to him, have you any more cousins or nephews? That's great. That's great. On that, John, the tickets you can buy the tickets online at www.milfordgadraw.ie. OK, Milfordgadraw.ie. Yeah. And do we have one to give away? Yeah. All right. We have five to give away. Five to give away. You're being extra generous. Well, that is brilliant. So a question. And unless you boys have one, how about the there's two secondary schools in Milford, Loretta was one. What is the name of the other one? So 086, 60, 25,000. Zero. Not asking you, Joe. It's OK. You're looking at me like I'd pose the question directly to you there. There's two secondary schools in Milford, Loretta was one. What is the name of the other one? And 086, 60, 25,000. But your own name and where you're from with your entry for a chance to win one of those tickets with five prizes. The top one being a BMW 330 M Sport. That is worth 60 grand. And then there's a holiday voucher from Globe Travel and two nights stay in the Ivy Garden Hotel in Dublin and 500 Euro and spending money. Fourth prize, two nights stay at Downing's Hotel and four green fees for Port Salon Golf Club. And finally, two tickets to a man United home game and an overnight stay in a hotel in Manchester. 086, 60, 25,000. Good luck with the development, gentlemen, and good luck with the draw. Thank you, Joe. Thanks very much.