4G All-Weather Rugby Facility
Updated 23rd September 2024
Lots of progress being made in the past week. Photos below showing quiet a change to the pitches.
The natural rugby pitch sanded and seeded over the weekend and just in time before the weather starts to turn.
Lighting bases and ducting underway on the full size synthetic pitch this week and base layer of stone installed.
Next up, fencing and kerbing on the World Rugby Certified synthetic Pitch as we push to get the surface completed before year end.
Updated - 9th September 2024
“ Work on 4G All-Weather Rugby Facility starts in Rockwell ………………….”
Following a competitive tender process a Contractor has been appointed and works formally started on site end August. Phase1 works will take up to 16 weeks and the 4G All-Weather Rugby Facility will be completed before Y/E weather permitting.
We have had a terrific response from past pupils from Classes 1959 through the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and have seen an excellent uptake in donations from Classes 2000 - 2018 this year. As of today, the “ Top 4 “Classes providing largest number of past pupils donating are first Class 1972, followed by Class 1975, followed in third with 5 way tie between Classes 1959, ’65,’70,’74,’78, and in 4th place jointly are Classes 1976,’77, ’88, ’95, 2000. However, a lot of Classes are just outside “Top 4” and it is changing every week with past pupils donations being received.
This new facility, completed to “ World Rugby “ standard, will complement the all-weather hockey and 5-a-side soccer facilities already on campus.
As you can imagine there is some disruption to use of pitches in the College in this academic year as the site compound includes the SCT, JCT and Under 15’s pitches (the pitch beside the stream / bridge to St Josephs). The topsoil coming off the Senior pitch is being used to level the U 15’s pitch and it will then be sanded and reseeded after new drainage installed. This has resulted in a cost saving on the Senior pitch with not removing the topsoil off-site and for a modest cost we are assured the U15’s pitch will now be the best natural based grass rugby pitch in the College post works. The JCT pitch is required to access works on the SCT side of the all-weather pitch and some levelling and reseeding works will be carried out on completion.
The all-weather rugby facility will be available for use in January next for all teams, but it will be September 2025 before the JCT and U15’s pitches are available. Whilst this disruption cannot be avoided, Rockwell is in a fortunate position that it has other pitches that can be used during the works.
The tender price agreed is in line with the estimate for Phase 1 (all-weather rugby facility €650k inc VAT) and to date €630k funds have been secured. Huge thanks to those of you who have donated and great to see so many Past Pupils supporting this project. We need to raise the shortfall (€20k) and there is still an opportunity for you to make a donation. The minimum personal donation is €250 plus completion of attached CHY4 Form – minimum donation that enables Rockwell claim tax benefit from Revenue on your donation. All donations, large or small, are very much appreciated.
“ The Union Wall “ will also be constructed at the entrance to the all-weather rugby facility and all Past Pupils who have supported the project will be acknowledged on the wall with their name and class year.
Once Phase 1 is completed by Y/E, the focus will then shift to Phase 2 (the lights). Specialist Lighting Contractors will be invited to tender for the works and this will be done as soon as planning permission is granted. Subject to raising the required funds it is hoped to have the lights installed in 2025 but this is subject to the support of past pupils and donations.
We are counting on support of all Past Pupils so please make a donation to be able to complete this project.
Please consider getting involved and supporting this project.
You can fill out the attached paperwork HERE so that Rockwell can claim back tax relief on your donation if it is over €250 or you can make a contribution of support below.
We will keep you updated on this project in the months ahead.