Stretching back to the early days of GAA in Park and Ratheniska, the players have had a rather nomadic existence. A number of different fields have been utilised since the very first ball was kicked, or slither was hurled in the surrounds of the area.
During the successful era of 1952-1953 the Park Club made use of Salter’s field for training purposes, and it was to remain this way for a number of years when Lar Cushen made the generous gesture of purchasing the land on where the field lay and donating the use of it to the GAA Club.
However in the late 1950’s, Flynn’s Park in Loughteague came to be used by the Club as the Club began to move from Field to Field. Next up was the Forge Field in Ratheniska, which belonged to Albert Empey, and was known to all and sundry as Empey's Field. In the late 70’s and 80’s Loughehoe was to become the home of the Club, before a large patch of ground on the famous Lamberton Estate belonging to the Conroy family, was utilised by the GAA Club for a number of years.
In the mid 80’s however the Club made the big step of purchasing its own land when a site in the Park area was purchased and renovated giving the Club its own grounds for the first time. However in 1995 came an opportunity arose for the growing Club that proved to be too good to pass up, and the decision was made to purchase a number of acres right in the heart of Ratheniska from the Drennan family. The Club jumped at the opportunity to purchase its current home, which is where we still reside to this day.
Huge work went into the overhaul, construction and finish of the Grounds in Ratheniska. Under the watchful eye of the field committee Chairman at the time Har Ramsbottom, the huge task was undertaken. It was a testament to the volunteer spirit of the Club that so much of the work was done by our own members free of charge. Two playing fields, Clubhouse and dressing rooms were finished to a high level, and in 2004 the Grounds were officially opened by GAA President at the time, Seán Kelly.
In 2015, as part of our Strategic Development Plan, to upscale some parts of our Grounds, which would include a new gym for our Clubhouse, while also upgrading our canteen facilities as well as increasing dressing room space, while also constructing a Huling Ball Wall and Equipment Shed in the lower corner of our Grounds.
In 2019, thanks to assistance from An Roinn Iompair Turasóireachta agus Spóirt and specifically the Sports Capital Grant, we were able to begin construction on the main element of our Clubhouse and Grounds Redevelopment.
After 2 years of planning, we began our Clubhouse Redevelopment in late 2019. In a tumultuous time, we were able to navigate our way through lockdowns to emerge in 2021 with our development completed. Our grounds now include extended meeting and kitchen facilities, increased changing room capacity, a gym/strength & conditioning area as well as being accessible for those with disabilities, while also being brought up to the latest standards in fire coding.
We thank each and everyone of those who helped out over the course of the works, our builder Derek Conlon Carpentry, our own Mark Carroll Electrical, and especially our members and the wider Park & Ratheniska Communities for your continued support.
