LIMERICK GAA is in the early stages of developing a new centre of excellence in Patrickswell, it is understood.
According to reports in the Irish Examiner, Limerick GAA is in the process of purchasing a 95-acre farm in Crecora to develop its new centre of excellence.
It is understood that the land has been purchased with help from Gerry McManus, younger brother of billionaire businessman and long-term sporting patron JP McManus.
Officials from Limerick GAA have had consultations with Limerick City and County Council on the plans, which would likely include a number of playing pitches as well as a training hub.
When contacted by the Limerick Post, the Limerick GAA county board said “at the moment there is no further comment from Limerick GAA on the matter”.
Limerick GAA currently undertakes some of its training operations at the newly revamped Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale, which saw a €1.02million new stand opened in October of last year.
The facility also has a gym, changing rooms, and 3G pitch, which is earmarked for replacement later this year.
It’s also understood that the Limerick county board have secured funding for the redevelopment of the former St Enda’s Sports Complex on the Kilmallock Road in Limerick City, with a new pitch installed.
Underage inter-county teams have been training from this facility in recent times.
Gerry McManus established the Limerick Hurling Academy in 2011, while JP McManus has been the sponsor of the Limerick team since 2005.
Word of the new centre of excellence comes just months after JP McManus and his wife Noreen announced that they would donate €1million to every GAA county board in Ireland.
