London GAA will still be relying on a major fundraising campaign if the redevelopment of its Ruislip grounds can be completed in time for the hosting of next year’s Connacht football championship match.

Central GAA funding of €1.4 million and a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade grant of €600,000, coming from its Emigrant Support Programme, has been approved, but the overall cost for the proposed redevelopment has been put at €5 million – and the outstanding balance will have be met by London GAA and its clubs.

It is planned the redevelopment work will start in September, and will see the construction of a new stand and terracing, creating a 3,900 capacity: the facility will house the administrative office for London GAA, if planning permission is secured.

Central role
"Ruislip is synonymous with the GAA in London and I have no doubt the excellent new facility will play a central role in the ongoing growth and development of our games in the British capital," said GAA president Liam O'Neill. "Rarely, if ever, has there existed a higher level of awareness of the rich heritage of our games in London, thanks in no small part to the . . . the county's footballers and hurlers in recent times.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore, said the Government funding "recognises the central role of the GAA in the Irish Emigrant community in London". He also said Ruislip is more than just a sporting venue. "It's often a first port of call for our newer emigrants . . . The development of Ruislip will make it a better place to play and to watch Gaelic Games in London and can only help reinforce the strong sense of community which is so evident amongst the . . .generations of Irish people living there."