New All-Weather Pitch Opened at St Francis FC

I was delighted to attend the official opening of St Francis FC’s new all-weather pitch in Baldonnell, a fantastic new facility made possible through €350,000 in Government funding under the Community Recognition Fund.

The opening took place during the club’s annual Family Fun Day, with players, families, volunteers and supporters coming together to celebrate this important milestone for one of our area's longest established community clubs.

Founded in 1958, St Francis FC has grown to more than 500 members and now fields 32 teams. The new pitch will provide year round access to high quality facilities, allowing more training sessions and creating additional opportunities for players of all ages. It will also support the club’s growing women’s and girls’ section, which now includes six girls’ teams and one ladies’ team.

I was particularly impressed by the club’s commitment to remaining accessible and inclusive for local families. As participation continues to grow, facilities like this are essential in ensuring more young people have the opportunity to get involved in sport, stay active and be part of their community.

This project is part of a wider investment in the club’s development, with significant Government and South Dublin County Council funding supporting improved facilities in recent years. These investments are helping clubs like St Francis continue to grow and meet increasing demand.

St Francis FC has a proud history and a strong reputation within Irish football, but what stands out most is the incredible community spirit at the heart of the club. The dedication of its volunteers, coaches and committee members has helped create an environment where players can develop their skills, make friends and enjoy being part of a team.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this project to completion. The new pitch will benefit local families and future generations of players for many years to come, and I look forward to supporting the club as it continues to grow.