Laois GAA club aiming to become the centre of their community as walkway to Barrow Blueway opened

“A GAA club has to be more than just a team – it must be an integral part of the community.”

Those were the words of Courtwood GAA chairman Niall Little as the club officially opened a walkway that will put them at the heart of everything.

After years of trojan work, people can now come to Courtwood, park at their pitch and walk out towards the canal which opens up a whole new window.

Niall explained: “When the club bought the land in 2018 where we hope to build a second pitch, they had the foresight to look at a strip of land continuing on to the canal to give us access to it.

“The GAA were really pushing the idea of lighting up walkways to try and get people from the community involved. So we had started a pathway and were turning on the floodlights and getting people to walk around the pitch.

“That was successful but using floodlights is not economically viable for 10 or 15 people to be walking around so we kept thinking about what more we could do.

“Back in 2021, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructural Scheme Grant was launched and we put an application in to develop a path down to the canal.

“We are at a geographical sweet spot. The Blueway goes to Athy and will eventually go all the way to Dublin via Kildare.

“We are probably one of the only clubs who can provide access to this and also provide a car park, access to toilets and a bike rack.

“So we applied for the grant and were successful in conjunction with Waterways Ireland.”

Niall says that the club were passionate about this project because they wanted to open themselves up to the entire community – not just the GAA one.

He said: “As a club, we can’t just rely upon a senior or junior football team. GAA clubs now have to offer much more to the community.

“Ladies football, juvenile football, hosting meetings, functions – whatever we can do to be more open and embracing of the community, we must do it.

“So having a walkway means that you could bring people to the area who might not necessarily like football or hurling, but they might like to go for a walk.

“They can be happy that they are not on the side of a road. You can come park, go to the toilet and then walk down. You can turn left for Monasterevin and right for Vicarstown.

“There are about 4,000 people using that Blueway on a monthly basis – cycling and walking – and that is without any advertising or anything.

“So we are only at the infancy of the project and the potential is endless.”

CCTV will be installed soon to enhance safety and Niall says the future potential for the area is endless.

He said: “Whatever way it develops from here is really up to the community now.

“You would like to have a situation where you could have a farmer’s market on a Saturday morning. Then you can go down to the ecological wonder of the canal.

“We have bike ranks purchased and they will be put up soon once we settle on an area to put them.”

Niall also took the opportunity to thank everyone who has helped to bring the project to where it is today.

He said: “Laois County Council have been very good and Ann Marie Maher has been on the journey with us every step of the way.

“Waterways Ireland, Gerard Bailey, has been very good and were always on the end of the phone.

“The grounds committee in Courtwood GAA did unbelievable work. Weeding, digging, planting and installing bee hotels.

“It is a biodiversity area but the good weather recently has not been ideal for planting but that will come in the next stage.

“We are very lucky to have PJ Kelly as a member of our club as treasurer and he has been a massive help also.

“The club also wished to acknowledge Thomasina Connell as a club member and Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council.

“We wish her all the best as she was leaving her role and wished Paschal McEvoy every success in the role when he commences his tenure in July.”

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