Bunclody AFC Faces Major Financial Setback After Paying €313,000 Towards Unfinished All-Weather Pitch

Bunclody AFC says it has been left devastated after paying €313,000 towards an all-weather pitch that remains unfinished, with the club now facing significant financial uncertainty over the development.

In a detailed statement to members and the wider community, the club says it has been informed that contractor Clearwater Construction Limited will not be completing the project and is entering liquidation.

The club claims that while some work has been carried out, major elements of the development remain unfinished, despite payments totalling €313,000.

It also says suppliers contacted about materials for the project advised that they had no orders recorded for certain items.

The all-weather pitch has been in development for approximately four years, with volunteers dedicating considerable time to fundraising, planning and securing finance.

The facility was intended to provide year-round training and playing opportunities for Bunclody AFC, local schools, community organisations and people with additional needs.

Planning permission was secured in early 2024, with Clearwater Construction appointed following a tender process.

The club says legal issues involving the registration of its grounds caused significant delays before work could proceed.

According to Bunclody AFC, four payments were made to Clearwater Construction:

• €120,000 towards materials, including synthetic grass, fencing and lighting.

• €83,000 for completed works.

• €90,000 for further completed works.

• €20,000 towards synthetic grass following a request for additional funding.

The club says the additional €20,000 was paid approximately nine weeks ago after it was advised that material costs had increased.

Bunclody AFC states that drainage, initial stone layers and some lighting infrastructure have been installed, with its independent engineer advising that completed work is of a good standard.

However, fencing, the shock pad, synthetic playing surface and completion of the lighting system remain outstanding.

The club estimates the value of completed work at approximately €180,000, although it stresses that this is a preliminary assessment and not a confirmed calculation of any financial loss.

In its statement, the club says it contacted suppliers following notification that Clearwater Construction would not complete the project.

According to Bunclody AFC, suppliers advised that they had no recorded orders for the project's fencing, synthetic grass or shock pad.

The club is now seeking written confirmation and clarification on whether materials were ordered, purchased or held elsewhere.

It stresses that these matters have yet to be fully established.

The club also describes a series of missed construction deadlines in recent weeks.

It says representatives met Clearwater Construction director PJ Norton to discuss the delays and were reassured, according to their account, that the company was not experiencing financial difficulties.

However, the club claims further deadlines passed without work recommencing.

On Friday, October 9th, Bunclody AFC says it was informed that a receiver had been appointed and that Clearwater Construction would not complete the development.

Further correspondence received on Monday, October 12th, reportedly indicated that the company was entering liquidation.

The club says it has sought legal advice and is examining its options.

Chairperson Jamie Farrell says the situation has been deeply upsetting for everyone involved.

"We entered this project with the aim of doing something positive for Bunclody. We placed our trust in the contractor appointed and made substantial financial commitments towards delivering the facility," he said.

"To now be left with an unfinished pitch and uncertainty over important materials is heartbreaking."

The club acknowledges that additional funding may be required to finish the development, although the final financial shortfall remains unknown.

It says Sports Capital grant funding is still available for drawdown, subject to the relevant requirements, and it is working with legal and engineering advisers to determine the next steps.

Bunclody AFC is also appealing to contractors, suppliers, sponsors and the wider community for practical and financial assistance.

Despite the setback, the committee insists it remains determined to complete the facility.

"Bunclody still needs this facility. Our players still need it. The wider community still stands to benefit from it," Mr Farrell said.

The statement concludes:

"One club. One community. Bunclody AFC."