Coláiste Chiaráin and St. Joseph's Football Club are delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for the development of a state-of-the-art full-size 3G all-weather soccer pitch, marking a transformative moment for education and community sport in Athlone West. Roscommon County Council issued final planning approval on 16 June 2026 for floodlighting, ball retention fencing, and associate infrastructure at the school's Crannagh campus.

This landmark agreement represents the most significant development in the 25-year history of St. Joseph's F.C. and a major enhancement to the sporting facilities at Coláiste Chiaráin.  The partnership, supported by a long-term lease of lands from the Diocese, will create a shared sporting facility serving students, club members, local primary schools, and the wider community for generations to come.

Under the partnership agreement, Coláiste Chiaráin will have full access to the 3G pitch during school hours for curricular and extracurricular activities, while St. Joseph's F.C. will utilise the facility for training and matches during after-school hours, evenings, weekends, and school holidays. This innovative shared-use model maximises the benefit of the investment and ensures year-round access to a world-class sporting facility.

To support the development of the 3G pitch, both organisations have launched a joint fundraising campaign offering the public an extraordinary opportunity to win a Mercedes-Benz GLA 180d Progressive Line Plus – a 2-litre diesel automatic finished in Polar White with luxurious Beige Leather interior.

● Tickets: €50 each

● Campaign Period: 10 July – 19 December 2026

● Draw Date: 19 December 2026

● Purchase Online: www.tinyurl.com/CCAwinacar

 All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly towards the construction of the much-needed 3G soccer pitch, which will benefit thousands of young people across the Athlone area.

St. Joseph's F.C., which serves nearly 500 young players and operates 28 teams across multiple age groups, currently lacks a home facility and incurs substantial rental costs across four separate training locations. The new pitch will provide the club with a permanent base and a central hub for youth development, while also offering Coláiste Chiaráin students daily access to premium all-weather sporting infrastructure.

 The facility will also be available to support local primary schools and community initiatives, addressing a critical shortage of modern sporting facilities in the region. 

Speaking on behalf of St. Joseph's F.C., Olly McGrath said: "This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a true centre of excellence for sport and community engagement. We are deeply grateful to the Diocese for making these lands available and to Coláiste Chiaráin for embracing this partnership. The fundraising campaign gives everyone a chance to be part of this transformative project – and to win an incredible Mercedes in the process." Principal of Coláiste Chiaráin, Brendan Waldron commented: "This development builds on our commitment to providing outstanding facilities that support the holistic development of our students. The partnership with St. Joseph's F.C. reflects our belief in the power of sport to promote wellbeing, inclusion, and community connection. We are excited to see this project move forward and encourage the public to support the fundraiser."

Members of the public are encouraged to support this vital community project by purchasing tickets for the Mercedes GLA 180d draw. For just €50, supporters will be in with a chance to win this stunning vehicle while helping to create a lasting legacy for young people in the Athlone area.

For tickets and further information, visit: www.tinyurl.com/CCAwinacar