New £1.2m 3G sports pitch

New £1.2m 3G sports pitch

15 October 2025

NEWCASTLE’S Donard Park has been transformed into a modern sports facility with the opening of a new £1.2m 3G sports pitch.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council officially unveiled the new pitch last week.

An existing 2G surface has been replaced, with Donard Park now offering a high-quality training ground, enhancing the park’s role as a community sports hub which meets the local authority’s multi-sports facility strategy for the Mournes area.

The upgrade allows for Associated football competitions to be played to Intermediate standard, with new seating areas for 400 spectators, significantly enhancing the experience for both players and audiences.

The new pitch was delivered by local council, in partnership with the Department of Education and the Irish FA. 

The project provides high-quality sporting provision for local schools and sports clubs across the Mournes area.

Council chairman Phillip Campbell said the redevelopment represents a “significant investment” in the local community and demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to improving health, wellbeing and sporting opportunities across the district.

“The Donard Park 3G pitch now provides modern, safe and high-quality facilities that can be enjoyed by all, from casual users to elite players. It also strengthens Newcastle’s reputation as a hub for sport, recreation and community life,” he added.

Stormont education minister, Paul Givan, said he’s pleased to work in partnership with the council to support the redevelopment of Donard Park.

“The departmental investment of over £600,000 from Fresh Start funding will deliver state-of-the-art, inclusive facilities which will be accessed by Shimna College through a long-term licence agreement,” he said.

“This project is a value for money approach that provides the school with access to high quality sports facilities, which will enable them to deliver the PE curriculum and a wide range of sporting activities for pupils.”

Irish FA chief operating officer Graham Fitzgerald, said the Association welcomes the Newcastle investment.

He said it will help increase participation in sport across under-represented groups, particularly women, girls and athletes with disabilities. Donard Park 3G Pitch now provides a venue that is accessible, inclusive and fit for the future of football in the region.

The upgrade of the Donard Park pitch aligns with the local authority’s sports facility strategy which prioritises partnership working to meet community needs and maximise access to funding opportunities. 

The Donard Park project was also funded by the Irish FA/DCMS Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund, which is supported by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The fund is administered by the Irish FA, with delivery support from Co-operation Ireland.