Huge boost for Longford GAA Centre of Excellence with €140,000 fundraising success
Kiernan Steel founder Frank Kiernan said he was thrilled with the success of the fundraising gala ‘demonstrated the strength of the Longford GAA community and the willingness of people to rally behind a shared vision’.
The ambitious Longford GAA Centre of Excellence project has received a major boost after a glittering gala event in the lavish surrounds of Johnstown Estate, Enfield, hosted by Kiernan Steel in partnership with Longford GAA, raised a hugely impressive €140,050.
Kiernan Steel founder Frank Kiernan said he was thrilled with the success of the fundraiser.
“The gala demonstrated the strength of the Longford GAA community and the willingness of people to rally behind a shared vision. The Longford GAA Centre of Excellence is more than a building project; it will be an investment in players, volunteers, families, clubs and future generations.”
Against the backdrop of gorgeous sunshine and the beautiful Johnstown Estate, there was an enormous sense of county pride as almost 600 guests gathered on Friday, July 10, for the gala.
Hosted by Kiernan Structural Steel in proud partnership with Longford GAA, the event brought together local clubs of all codes, businesses, supporters, guests from the wider construction industry and members of the Longford community and GAA clubs for an afternoon and evening dedicated to the future of Gaelic Games in the county.
The new Longford GAA Centre of Excellence is planned for land adjacent to Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, in a prime location where the N4 & N5 roads merge.
The project is a once in a lifetime development that will support players, coaches, clubs and the wider community for years to come.
With approximately 40 acres already secured and already paid for, the ambition is to now create one of the finest sporting facilities in the country, available to all and capable of serving children, adults and community organisations across Longford. Being so centrally located in Ireland, it is hoped that this facility will be a regional hub for the GAA and other organisations.
The response to the fundraiser was exceptional from local clubs from all codes, local business connections, county representatives and members of the Longford diaspora supported the event through table purchases, donations, sponsorship, auction bids and raffle ticket sales.
Proud Longford man and MEP, Ciarán Mullooly, acted as MC and he brought warmth and energy to proceedings, and guest speakers included Chairperson of Longford GAA Derek Fahy, LGFA President Triona Murray, GAA President Jarlath Burns, founder of Supermac’s Pat McDonagh, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Gerry Hagan and Fr John Regan, a family friend of Frank & Dolores Kiernan, whose prayers for Mayo to win Sam Maguire were spectacularly answered!
As the guests enjoyed dinner, a presentation on the proposed development was given by Joseph Breslin and Gavin McHugh who are the architects and engineers on the proposed development.
The presentation included a 3D render video which highlighted the potential of the site and the positive impact it will have on the area.
The gala featured top class entertainment, with Emily Doyle providing music at the reception and after the meal The Jousca Band, including Killoe’s Eamon Keogh, performed.
However, the show was stolen by Mario Rosenstock who brought laughter and unmistakable energy to the room during the meal.
His performance, shaped with local references and Longford humour, proved a memorable part of the occasion and had guests in stitches.
He even had one of his characters looking for the Longford hurling job after the recent success of the hurlers winning the Lory Meagher final.
The atmosphere throughout the day reflected the deep affection that exists for Longford GAA, both at home and abroad.
One of the highlights was the live auction, led with great energy by Cllr Turlough McGovern.
Bidders responded generously, adding further momentum to the fundraising effort.
There was also an online raffle that attracted strong interest, with prizes including Manchester United tickets, Ireland v South Africa rugby tickets, Katie Taylor fight tickets, Bon Jovi tickets, a Johnstown Estate Hotel stay, a Galvin for Men voucher and a Ninja Double Air Fryer.
Claire Kiernan also sponsored a prize through her new venture, Ailm and Oak Retreat.
Frank Kiernan remarked, “We would like to thank every sponsor, donor, bidder, raffle supporter and guest who contributed to the overall success of the event.”
Huge thanks was expressed to another Killoe man, Paul Rowley, owner of Admore Air Conditioning Corporation in New York, for all his advice, help and support in the lead-up to the event.
Paul spearheaded a major fundraising golf classic in NY last October that raised approximately €150,000 for the Centre of Excellence project.
Special recognition went to two Kiernan Steel staff members Martina Brady and Amy Faughnan, who organised the Johnstown Estate event and helped co-ordinate the many moving parts.
From communications and table planning to guest arrangements, raffle promotion and event logistics, their work helped ensure the day ran smoothly and left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.
Frank Kiernan said the message of the day was clear. “Longford GAA has a bright future, and the support shown at Johnstown Estate will play an important part in helping that future take shape.
"Hopefully, this Kiernan Steel event will be the first of many other similar fundraising events in order to bring this fantastic project from dreams into reality.
“We were delighted with the final tally of €140,050 which we presented to Longford GAA.”
Mr Kiernan concluded by thanking Collette McCormack, Michelle Duffy and their staff at Johnstown Estate for their professionalism, kindness and support in hosting the event.
"Their assistance contributed greatly to the smooth running of the day and to the welcoming atmosphere experienced by guests. Longford Abú.”