Roscommon were Liam McNeill and Aidan Brady.
Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
“A project for the whole community – and not just the school” was how CBS Roscommon Principal Kevin Scollan described a planned state-of-the-art fully floodlit astroturf pitch which will be located on the grounds of the school. This is one of the most significant capital developments in the school’s history.
The €400,000 project, which has been launched by the school in partnership with Roscommon LGFA, will deliver a GAA-standard synthetic surface with dual football and soccer markings, modern LED floodlighting for all-year use, and landscaped grounds, including a dedicated Sponsors’ Walk at the main entrance.
A €200,000 fundraising drive was launched at the school last Thursday night. Those present were informed that CBS Roscommon has been approved for a Sports Capital Grant of €200,000 from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – awarded following a joint application by CBS Roscommon and Roscommon LGFA, a partnership that reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to outstanding sporting facilities for young people in County Roscommon.
The goal now is to raise the balance of €200,000 through a series of sponsorship options (see separate item), and donations.
Speaking at the launch, school principal Kevin Scollan said: “This will be an all-purpose facility. Not alone will it be a facility for our students, but it will be there for use by local clubs.”
He said the facility will be available for GAA, soccer, rugby and other clubs, and that an online booking system will be set up.
Mr Scollan continued: “We have €200,000 approved as a Sports Capital Grant, but we must raise €200,000. Our plan is that we can start this project in July and have it completed by the start of the new academic year in September.
“We have an iDonate page set up and if anyone else wants to donate or talk to us about the project we would be delighted to hear from them. We are very flexible. For instance, if anyone wants to have their name on the new field we will talk to them too.”
The principal outlined that there are now over 450 pupils and over 40 staff in CBS Roscommon, which went ‘co-ed’ in 2025. As such, the planned astroturf pitch is a facility that’s badly needed.
“We have had phenomenal success at sport here. We have won All-Irelands in (gaelic) football, and are doing well at hurling and rugby and in many other sports too. We have a huge interest in sport in our school but our facilities are poor and we really need to get this project over the line.”
Mr Scollan said he wished to thank everyone who has assisted on the project to date.
“It’s about three years since we first started with this application and one person who has been there from the start has been James Lohan (of James Lohan Planning & Design Consulting Engineers). He has done all the work on this project for us from a planning and design point of view – for no cost.”
The principal added that some other past-pupils have also been very supportive, and that support is much appreciated. Mr Scollan also thanked Aidan Brady for his great assistance to the school on the fundraising plan.
He continued: “We now are appealing to our local community, to our sponsors, to our parents, guardians and staff, to our ex-staff and past-pupils, to spread the word about this. We would like to hit our target by July and have the whole facility completed by September.”
CBS Roscommon Deputy Principal Francis Ferguson said that since he came to the school he has noticed a special connection between past-pupils and the local community and the school, something which would be a big help during the campaign.
The project will deliver:
- A floodlit 80m x 40m, all-weather astroturf pitch suitable for GAA, soccer, and multi-sport use
- A purpose-built sponsors’ walkway with prominent signage recognising all contributors to the project
- Prominent sponsor recognition signage at the entrance to the astroturf pitch
- Enhanced sporting facilities to benefit all students, staff, and the wider community
Sponsorship Packages
Platinum — €5,000: Large premium branded plaque in the most prominent board position, exclusive light pole advertising, school website homepage feature, social media and local press listing, and an exclusive sponsors’ jacket.
Gold — €2,500: Gold plaque in a prime position on the sponsors’ board, school website, social media and local press listing, feature in school newsletter, and an exclusive sponsors’ jacket.
Silver — €1,000: Silver plaque with name/logo on dedicated sponsors’ board, school website, social media and local press listing, and community recognition.
Bronze — €300: Name on a permanent plaque on the Bronze Sponsors’ Board, visible to all pitch users year-round, and school acknowledgement.
Roscommon were Gerry Dervan, Kevin Scollan
(Principal, CBS Roscommon) and David Gately. Photo:
Michelle Hughes Walsh
