Carnlough: Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers thanked for his support as new clubhouse plans submitted to council
A planning application has been lodged with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a new clubhouse and changing facilities at St John’s Camogie Club in Carnlough.
The application has been made by an agent on behalf of the club for land situated at Stoney Hill pitch, to the west of Stoney Hill, Ballymena Road. The proposal is for a two-storey clubhouse and changing facilities (replacing existing on site), memorial garden, ball wall and ancillary works.
A design and access statement submitted with the application says: “The wider premises of St John’s GAC includes a playing field with associated ball stops and a hard-standing area. Access is granted to the site via an existing entrance from the Ballymena Road.
“The proposed clubhouse is located at the south-west corner of the existing playing field, with the memorial garden having a proposed location at the end of the access lane-way. The ball wall is proposed to be located along the western side of the existing playing field.
“The ball wall consists of a reinforced concrete wall with a concrete finish, backed by a mesh panel fence. The memorial garden will include a decorative feature in the centre.”
The proposal is part of a redevelopment of the newly-named ‘Maltina Park’ by St John’s Camogie Club and Carnlough Swifts FC, which jointly lease the ground at Stoney Hill.
The name has been chosen in commemoration of Malachy and Christina Rodgers, parents of former Carnlough resident Brendan Rodgers, manager of Celtic FC, who visited Maltina Park with his wife Charlotte in March.
Joint project
Eamon McFadden, chairperson, St John’s Camogie Club, Carnlough, said: “This is a joint project between St John’s Camogie Club, Carnlough and Carnlough Swifts FC, and we see it as a real boost for both sport and community life in the village.
“Having Brendan Rodgers involved alongside Mid and East Antrim Borough Council means a great deal to the people of Carnlough who have often felt overlooked when it comes to investment.
“The new facilities will provide modern, inclusive spaces for players, supporters and the wider community to enjoy. All being well, we hope to have the project completed by this time next year. The memorial garden will also offer a respectful place of reflection within the grounds.”
St John’s Camogie Club announced in a social media post in December of last year: “We are thrilled to officially announce the naming of our ground as ‘Maltina Park’, a heartfelt tribute to the parents of Brendan Rodgers and a name that will forever honour their legacy.
“The decision to name the ground ‘Maltina Park’ reflects Brendan’s remarkable generosity, his unwavering support for our community and his deep personal connection to the name ‘Maltina’.
“For us, it is an immense honour to celebrate Brendan’s legacy in this way. His vision for Maltina Park is not simply about a name; it’s about creating a place that inspires young athletes, regardless of their sport, to dream big and strive for excellence.
“Brendan’s commitment to supporting sports stars of all disciplines serves as a powerful reminder that talent, dedication, and passion have no boundaries. Through this incredible gesture, Brendan has given us a legacy of hope and opportunity. ‘Maltina Park’ will now stand as a beacon for aspiring sports stars, a place where dreams begin, and a tribute to the enduring values of community and generosity.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Brendan Rodgers for this extraordinary gift and for his unwavering belief in the potential of our clubs and community. Together, we look forward to making ‘Maltina Park’ a hub of inspiration, hard work, and celebration for generations to come.”
Recently, St John’s Camogie Club was among sports clubs which have benefited from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Amateur and Grassroots Sporting Organisations Improvement Fund which offered grants of between £10,000 and £50,000, covering up to 50% of capital project costs.
Eamon said at the time: “The £50,000 grant from the council supported essential drainage work on our local pitch. It has opened up new opportunities for the club to grow and develop, creating a real buzz within the local community.”