MAYO'S £4M. 'SUPERBOWL' PLAN

CLAREMORRIS BACKS AMBITIOUS PROJECT TO THE TUNE OF £250,000

By TOM KELLY

Top level talks have taken place with Sports Minister, Mr. Bernard Allen, T.D., about the ambitious project on a site at the Fairgreen in the town. Behind the major project, which would be one of the biggest of its type in the country, is Claremorris Athletic Club.

A dynamic three-man team, consisting of businessman Seamus Gallagher, veterinary surgeon Tommy Brennan, and forestry board employee Sean Heneghan, have been involved in behind-the scenes talks over a number of years to help bring the 'superbowl' proposal to fruition.

They appointed a firm of consultants to carry out a detailed feasibility study, while full plans have been drafted with a view to starting construction work at the earliest possible date.

A local contribution of £250,000 has already been raised in a remarkable display of public support towards the idea.

The governing body of athletics in Ireland, the B.L.E., are giving their full backing to the move. There has also been enthusiastic support from the country's top concert promoters who have given a commitment to bring leading international acts to the venue when completed.

Now efforts are being made to secure Government approval for the arena. That would open the way for major investment being made available to ensure the proposal is brought to fruition.

Mr. Richard Finn, a member of Mayo County Council, said the project was one of the biggest ever mooted for the county.

"Outstanding work has been carried out by Claremorris Athletic Club and they have a local contribution already in place.

"If it comes off, which I am sure it will, it will give Mayo a facility of international standard."

Mr. Des Mahon, county manager, said the council would be prepared to adopt the project as part of the County Development Plan when the plan came up for renewal in a number of months time.

Mr. P.J. Morley, T.D., said the idea had been on the cards for a long time, and he advised Sports Minister Bernard Allen to 'jump at the opportunity.'

Mr. Pat Higgins, another member of Mayo County Council, stated the project would give the West of Ireland its own 'Superbowl' style facility.