The next ten years
at Shay Murtagh Park
Mullingar Rugby Football Club is one of the Midlands’ most active community sports clubs. This is the club’s ten-year plan for the ground: what needs replacing, what needs building, and in what order.
1,289 members
Seven in every ten are children. That is the single fact the whole plan turns on: the ground has to be built for the minis and youths who already use it every Saturday morning.
- Minis
- 490
- Youths
- 410
- Senior playing
- 100
- Social and other
- 289
Of 1289 members, Minis 490, Youths 410, Senior playing 100, Social and other 289. Minis and youths together are 900 members, 70% of the club.
An honest assessment
The plan does not flatter the place. Four full-size pitches and two training paddocks, a clubhouse in good order, and some things that are plainly not good enough.
Bar and function room recently renovated, with finishing works outstanding. Gym equipment due for replenishment by 2029.
Four full-size pitches and two training paddocks. The 4G Pitch 1 surface needs replacing by 2027–28, and both grass pitches need drainage, resurfacing and LED lighting.
The stand on 4G Pitch 1 is adequate. Pitch 2 and Grass Pitch 1 would benefit from covered stands, and a sheltered area for wheelchair users on Pitch 2 is a near-term priority.
Capacity is adequate. The rear section needs tarmac surfacing, and perimeter lighting needs improving throughout the facility.
Inadequate and insecure. A dedicated, centralised, weather-proof store is a near-term priority.
Two ways this goes
At modest growth the club passes two thousand members by 2036. At the rate the minis have actually been growing, it passes three thousand — and the ground would need Phase 3 well before then.
Three phases
- 2026–2029
Phase 1
Put the existing ground right, and cut what it costs to run.
- 4G Pitch 1 surface replacement
- Walking track completion
- Solar panel installation, 40kW
- Bar and ballroom finishing works
- New main entrance and signage
- LED lighting on 4G Pitch 1 and Grass Pitch 1
- Training paddock fencing
- 2029–2031
Phase 2
Cover the terraces, and build what the coaches and the pitches need.
- Covered stand with wheelchair access
- Covered stand on 4G Pitch 2
- Centralised equipment store
- Coaches’ office and analysis suite
- Grass Pitch 1 drainage and resurfacing
- Gym equipment replenishment
- Robotic pitch mower
- 2031–2036
Phase 3
Grow the ground to match the club, with an indoor facility as the flagship.
- Indoor training facility, 1,000m²
- Fifth full-size grass pitch
- Rear car park tarmac surfacing and lighting
- Grass Pitch 2 drainage and resurfacing
The indoor training facility is the flagship of Phase 3, and the club has said plainly that a partnership will be needed to deliver it.
Facilities able to hold more than a thousand players and supporters on a match Saturday, with player pathways extended across every age group.
Wheelchair-accessible stands, better changing facilities and accessible pitch surfaces, designed for female players, players with disabilities and older participants.
Solar generation, a full conversion to LED lighting, and responsible long-term stewardship of the site.
The plan does not stand alone
- Sport Ireland
- Increasing participation, improving access to quality facilities and encouraging lifelong physical activity.
- IRFU and Leinster Rugby
- Supporting grassroots rugby, player welfare, and a clear pathway from mini rugby through to senior.
- Westmeath County Council
- Strengthening community infrastructure in Mullingar and positioning Westmeath as a regional sports county.
This page summarises the club’s Facilities Development Plan 2026–2036. Costings, grant eligibility and the funding model are set out in the full document, which is committee business — ask the Honorary Secretary for a copy.