Millstreet Community School Proudly Announces Major Redevelopment of Sports Facilities, Including Fully Flood-Lit All-Weather Pitch and New Athletics Zone
Millstreet Community School has proudly unveiled plans for a transformative redevelopment of its sports facilities — a project that will deliver a state-of-the-art grass-surface, sand-based all-weather pitch, complete with full flood lighting, and a brand-new athletics zone featuring a 130-metre surfaced running track, a dedicated long jump area, and enhanced cross-country training facilities. A massive redevelopment of our Sports Hall Facilities will happen in 2026.
These developments represent one of the most ambitious and forward-looking investments in school and community sport ever undertaken in Millstreet. It will significantly enhance opportunities not only for students, but also for local clubs, organisations and residents across the town and surrounding areas.
The Board of Management wishes to sincerely acknowledge all our local sporting clubs and Millstreet Community Council for their support in progressing the project to this point.
A Multi-Sport, Year-Round Facility
The plans include:
Fully flood-lit, grass-surface all-weather pitch
Fully floodlit 130-metre surfaced running track for speed and sprint training
Fully floodlit Long jump runway and landing pit
Cross-country training trails and conditioning zones
The all-weather pitch will support soccer, football, camogie, athletics, PE classes, and extra-curricular training across all codes. The extended athletics facilities will allow students and community groups to train in sprinting, jumping and endurance in a high-quality, year-round environment.
Sports Hall Facilities Redevelopment
We are also delighted to announce the upgrade of our Sports Hall facilities. This involves the complete replacement and upgrading of the heating system, new sanitary fittings in all toilet areas, the upgrading of all our dressing rooms, showers and flooring. We are very thankful to Cork County Council for supporting the redevelopment of our changing room facilities to the tune of €70,0000 through the Community Recognition Fund.
When viewed in conjunction with the planned redevelopment of the pitch, Millstreet Community School is providing top-class sporting facilities for students and for the wider community.
A Milestone Moment for Millstreet
Principal Pól Ó Síodhcháin said the project reflects the school’s deep pride in its students, its commitment to well-rounded education, and the tradition of community-driven achievement in Millstreet.
“We are genuinely proud to announce this redevelopment. A fully flood-lit, multi-sport facility of this quality will represent a new era for physical activity, sport and wellbeing in our school and in our town,” said Mr. Ó Síodhcháin. “The addition of a running track, long jump area and cross-country trails makes this a comprehensive centre for athletics — something Millstreet has never had before. Matching this will be the availability of redeveloped indoor facilities in the Sports Hall.”
He also noted Millstreet’s long-standing ability to deliver major projects when the community works together.
“Millstreet has an incredible history of getting big things done — from bringing Alps Electrical to the town to hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993,” he added. “That sense of pride, ambition and unity is alive and well, and it is exactly what will bring this project to life.”
Supporting Extra-Curricular Life and Student Wellbeing
The school has seen exceptional growth in numbers over the last eight years. There has alos been an increase in participation across a range of sports — GAA, soccer, athletics, cross country and more. The new pitch and athletics facilities will dramatically increase capacity, allowing teams to train safely, even in the winter months.
“Every student in Millstreet Community School will benefit directly from this development,” Mr. Ó Síodhcháin said. “From our busiest PE classes to our early-morning and after-school teams, this space will support teamwork, fitness, confidence and participation. It is a huge step forward for extra-curricular life and wellbeing at the school.”
Fundraising Already Under Way — Quid Games on 28th February 2026
Fundraising for the project is already under way, with Millstreet Community School reporting strong early engagement and generous backing from local businesses and community partners.
Our major fundraising event, The Quid Games, will take place on Friday, 28th February at the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.
Local businesses, clubs, organisations and families are invited to:
✔️ sponsor a team
✔️ enter the competition
✔️ support the project in any way possible
The school has expressed its deep appreciation for the support received so far.
“We are extremely grateful for the early backing we have received, and we hope more individuals, families and companies will join us,” Mr. Ó Síodhcháin said. “Every contribution brings us closer to creating a facility the whole community can be proud of.”
A Gift to the Future of Millstreet
The new pitch and athletics zone will provide long-lasting benefits for sport, health, recreation and community life.
“This is a facility for today’s students and for generations to come,” Mr. Ó Síodhcháin stated. “It will support school teams, local clubs, community events and everyday physical activity. We are building something that will strengthen the heart of Millstreet for decades.”
Millstreet Community School encourages anyone interested in supporting the project or entering a team for The Quid Games to contact the school directly.
Want to Donate?
We would be delighted to receive your donation via GoFundMe at this link:
A very sincere thanks to the members of the Steering Committee, who have been working on this for two years behind the scenes: Pól Ó Síodhcháin (MCS Principal), Frances Moynihan (MCS Deputy Principal), Áine Collins, Jerry Pat O’Leary, Donagh Hickey, Colette O’Connor, Padraig Griffin.
Please help us develop this amazing facility!
