Dublin GAA club Parnell’s have confirmed that their clubhouses and pitches have been handed over to the Marist Order.
The club, serving the parishes of Coolock and Artane, has been in financial difficulty for some time, having been ordered to pay a redundancy lump sum to 11 staff members who were not given work after the start of the Covid pandemic.
The future of the club is in limbo, with those in charge proposing to “work with the membership and other stakeholders to determine the best path forward for the promotion of Gaelic Games in the Coolock and Artane community”.
The club of nine-time All-Ireland winner Stephen Cluxton became wealthy during the Celtic Tiger after selling their original playing fields for a reported figure of €22million.
“The GAA has been aware of the ongoing financial challenges faced by Parnells GAA Club and acknowledges the position reached by the club in relation to its facilities,” a spokesperson for the GAA said.
“It will continue to work with the club to safeguard the future of Gaelic games in the Coolock and Artane areas.”
Parnells GAA statement in full
“The Executive Committee of Parnells GAA Club wishes to confirm to the membership that, pursuant to the decision made at the General Meeting of the Club in December 2023, the Club has completed the surrender and return of the Clubhouse premises and adjoining pitches to the Marist Order.
“These facilities are now under the control and ownership of the Marist Order, to be used for educational and community activities in line with and in conjunction with their existing operations at Chanel College.
“Having completed this surrender, the Executive Committee will now work with the membership and other stakeholders to determine the best path forward for the promotion of Gaelic Games in the Coolock and Artane community. Members will be updated further on plans and next steps for 2025.”
