This Saturday, 24th August, Leeside United AFC are celebrating the opening of their new all-weather pitch, the Martin O’Neill Astro, named in honour of Martin O Neill, one of the founding members of Leeside AFC who developed soccer in the local parish for over 40 years.
Following Martin’s untimely passing in 2019, the O’Neill family donated €100,000 to Leeside United in his memory, and it was this donation that was instrumental in kickstarting the fundraiser for the new Astro.
Following the family donation, Leeside United also received €150,000 in sports capital funding as well as the members’ Super Draw which brought in over €100,000 for the club. Since then, club sponsors including Fitzpatrick’s Foodstore, Elm Tree Glounthaune, Alpha Wealth, Divine Beauty and many other local businesses have collectively fundraised €850,000 for the much-needed new Astro pitch.
Martin O’Neill began as a player-chairperson, and he also founded Glounthaune United in 2003 due to the growing demand for underage soccer in the area. As a coach, Martin ensured each player had the opportunity to play and his priority was for every player to have fun.
The new state of the art facility will enable Leeside United to continue catering for their fast-growing player base who compete in the Munster Senior League, Cork Womens and Schoolgirls Soccer League, Cork Youth League and Cork Schoolboys League.
Kerri O’Neill of Fitzpatrick’s Foodstore commented on the new pitch: “The new Martin O’Neill Astro will be an invaluable resource for Leeside United as they continue to expand the club & teach the sport to kids. We are proud to see the opening of the pitch which is such a befitting legacy for our father and his love of the beautiful game!”
As well as Leeside United, the pitch will also be used by Little Island National School and residents of the Ashbourne House Direct Provision Center for PE and leisure.
The official opening of the Martin O’Neill Astro and Family Fun Day will take place this Saturday 24th August from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. All are welcome to attend for a free family day of bouncy castles, face painting, and DJ entertainment.