The New York minor board has reached a significant landmark, having received the green light for a $3million (€2.8 million) project to secure their first-ever permanent base for underage GAA games in the US city.
The Redmond Park redevelopment project can proceed after the NYMB recently secured a license agreement with the City of Yonkers, giving them access to a first home since their 1970 inception.
The new facility will included a full-size pitch, two practice fields, all fully floodlit, as well as ample parking. There will also be an outdoor gym, walking trail and a playground on the park.
Stage one, including the opening of the three pitches, is scheduled for April 2024 with the three-phase project set to be completed by April 2027, The final step will include the construction of a public sidewalk, a clubhouse extension and the installation of a backup generator.
"The NYMB is delighted to reach this agreement, which is a significant step forward in our mission to provide top-class facilities for the growth and development of Gaelic games here in New York," said Danny Browne, chairperson of the New York minor board.
"This project will deliver a safe and vibrant environment for our children to play and appreciate the games that are an integral part of our Irish heritage.
"The Redmond Park project is not just about sports; it's a commitment to creating a safe haven for our youth. The updated facilities will provide an environment where children can develop their skills, build friendships and stay active in a secure setting.
"This redevelopment is a game-changer for the NYMB and the community at large. It will allow us to host local events and tournaments and unite generations of players and fans alike. We are developing something that will stand the test of time and leave a lasting legacy for Gaelic games in New York."
New York GAA Pro Tommy Kavanagh, also project secretary of the redevelopment, told RTÉ Sport what the move would mean in practical terms.
"With close to 3,000 kids playing GAA in New York, they will finally have a place to develop schedules, skills programs and essentially prepare the juvenile players to make the transition to the senior board."
GAA in New York is attempting to take advantage of some on-field success enjoyed by a range of teams.
Their footballers won a first-ever Connacht senior football championship game last season in a penalty shoot-out win over Leitrim, with minor board graduate Mikey Brosnan scoring the winning goal.
In addition, their hurlers, featuring many former minor board players, competed in the pre-season Connacht League last season, and are returning next month to do so in what they hope is a pre-cursor to Lory Meagher inclusion.
NEW YORK BOSS HOPING FOR LORY MEAGHER INCLUSION
They also won the All-Ireland JFC for the first time in 2023, defeating Kilkenny in the Croke Park final, having lost to the Cats in the 2022 decider.
The victorious team was filled by American-born players who had come through the minor board ranks, and with the new development now closer than ever, they are hopeful many more will follow in their path.
