The New York Minor Board receives the green light for the development of the first-ever permanent base for underage Gaelic games in New York City.
By: Áine Hourican
The growth and development of the GAA within New York has been a focal point for the wider Irish community. Through promoting Irish heritage, culture, participation, community spirit, and development; the GAA is the bedrock of every Irish community.
Acknowledged as one of the greatest amateur sports in the world, the Gaelic Athletic Association succeeds in connecting Irish natives far and wide. With over 40 clubs in the New York area alone, containing 3,500 children which are currently registered in underage teams, the growth and development of the GAA community within New York is continuously thriving. Coach’s, mentors, and club staff work on a volunteer base level to dedicate their time and energy to promoting Irish culture.
Announced on December 4th 2023, the New York Minor Board secured the plans to develop the first-ever permanent base for underage Gaelic games in New York City, known as the Redmond Park development project.
Leaving a legacy for the Irish community in New York City, the Redmond Park redevelopment project is a significant turning point in the development and promotion of Gaelic games within New York.
What is the Redmond Park redevelopment project?
Reaching a significant milestone in the development of Gaelic games within New York City, the New York Minor Board recently received the green light for a $3 million project to secure the first-ever permanent base for underage Gaelic games in the Big Apple.
Providing a new home for Gaelic games within New York City, the Redmond Park redevelopment project is a major step in the right direction to promoting Gaelic games within the United States. Committed to creating a safe haven for upcoming players, in addition to promoting the development and growth of Irish culture; while encouraging the continuous support of Gaelic games, the Redmond Park redevelopment project will play a significant role in the lives of children committed to adapting the skills of Gaelic games.
The ambitious initiative was recently secured as the New York Minor Board signed a License Agreement with the city of Yonkers. Not only will the redevelopment project aid in providing top-class facilities, but it will also develop the skills of upcoming players, and honor the development of Gaelic games within the United States of America.
Coach of the New York Senior Hurling team, Eamon Fitzgerald, acknowledged this significant milestone in the current home of GAA within New York City, Gaelic Park. The native Irish man stated that “The Irish community within New York is continuously thriving, to receive the green light for the Redmond Park redevelopment project has been a dream of the New York minor board for several years now.”
As of now, four hundred thousand dollars have been put in place. The total cost of the Redmond Park redevelopment project is set to be just over $3 million. Nonetheless, The New York Minor Board will continue to dedicate their time and effort into fundraising towards the development of the first-ever permanent base for underage Gaelic games in New York City.
What facilities will be included?
Grateful for Gaelic Park, the New York senior hurling coach also noted that the influx of players continuing to be involved within the GAA community in New York required more facilities.
Facilities set to be included within the Redmond Park redevelopment project include 3 pitches (one full-size pitch and two practice fields), an outdoor gym, a walking trail, a playground, and ample parking. Both the full-size pitch and two practice fields will be fully floodlit which will allow both practices and games to take place safely, and effectively.
The state-of-the-start facilities will not only assist in hosting tournaments and local events, but will also provide a safe haven for children to develop their skills and learn the sports of their integral Irish heritage.
Set to be located on Cook Avenue in Yonkers, the location of the new home for underage Gaelic games in New York compliments the already existing strong Irish community in Woodlawn, otherwise known as ‘Little Ireland’. Located within minutes of Mclean Avenue, the Redmond Park redevelopment project is only minutes’ drive from the current home of the GAA in New York City, Gaelic Park.
The Redmond Park redevelopment project will consist of three phases. Set to commence in November, the development of the new home of underage Gaelic games in New York City is due to develop through to April 2027.