The newly redeveloped Cedral St. Conleth’s GAA Stadium officially opened today in Newbridge, Co. Kildare hosting the highly anticipated Joe Mallon Motor’s Kildare Senior Football Championship Final, where Naas triumphed over Celbridge in a thrilling finish with a final score of Naas 1-7 to Celbridge 1-6. This milestone moment saw thousands of fans gather at the modernised stadium, which stands as a symbol of pride for Kildare GAA and a dynamic venue for Newbridge, promising to draw in sports tourism, bolster local businesses, and invigorate the community.
Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, officially cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the new stadium and said, “This is an incredible day for Cedral St. Conleth’s Park and we gather here today with joy, pride and anticipation. I reflect too on St. Conleth himself who was a metal worker for St. Brigid and today we can also see the fantastic metal work that forms part of the construction of this stadium.” He went on to say that the completion of this project shows the grit, determination and unwavering passion that Kildare GAA has and remembered his own time as a player when he came up against some of the toughest footballers of his career. He also paid tribute to the supporters and said, “Kildare fans are special they wear the white with pride. This stadium will mark many special occasions where friendship and rivalries alike will be forged. “The work”, he said “is only beginning, we need to see every seat filled and young boys and girls enjoying Gaelic games here for generations to come. “
The redevelopment of Cedral St. Conleth’s Park, a €18 million project that took 18 months to complete, was led by Kildare GAA, whose team of volunteers, alongside Donnacha O’Brien Engineers, Eliotts Construction, and the title sponsor Cedral, transformed the venue into a state-of-the-art sports hub. The project was spearheaded by Padraig McManus, with collaborative support from community leaders and stakeholders, marking a pivotal point for Gaelic games in the region.
Minister Thomas Byrne, T.D., Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education, and the Gaeltacht, highlighted the importance of the redevelopment: “This new Cedral St. Conleth’s Park represents a significant step forward for Kildare GAA. Government support for this project has been essential, and I am thrilled to see the impact this investment will have on local sports. The state-of-the-art facilities will benefit not only county teams but also sport across Kildare. Sport is at the root of our community, and I want to pay tribute to the GAA for the important role they play. This stand took almost 7 years to become a reality, but it is here now forever and all the hard work by so many people has been worth it”.
Minister Martin Heydon, T.D., also shared his pride in the project’s completion: “As a proud Kildare man with many special memories of St. Conleth’s Park, this redevelopment project has always been hugely important to me. It gives me great pleasure to see all of the hard work of successive county board officers finally come to fruition with the redevelopment of our County Grounds. Government funding played a crucial role in the progression of this project, support that has been a top priority for me in my time as a Government Minister for Kildare. The high standard of new facilities will provide Kildare men and women, boys, and girls with a county ground where all will aspire to play for both club and county, for generations to come. Many thanks to all those volunteers who worked hard to make this project a reality. The future is bright, the future is White. Cill Dara Abú.”
Mick Gorman, Chairperson of Kildare GAA, remarked on the day’s significance, saying, “Today is a historic day for Kildare GAA. We have been working on this project for several years, and, as with any large undertaking, have encountered and overcome many challenges en route. What has been achieved is a fine example of partnership-in-action—people working together to deliver a very fine stadium in the heart of Newbridge. This modern facility will be a fitting home for our county teams of all codes, and I hope it will encourage more young people to get involved in our games. The redeveloped Cedral St. Conleth’s Park is a significant milestone for GAA in County Kildare.”
He also paid tribute to the new stadium sponsor, Cedral and thank Brady’s Family Ham and all of the various sponsors who have supported Kildare GAA throughout the years.
John Bradley, Country Manager and Director of Etex Ireland said, “Cedral are delighted to continue the relationship where Tegral left off. Tegral was part of the Kildare GAA family for over two decades and once again, our business is now an integral part of the Kildare GAA family under our Cedral brand. We are delighted to see our products being used to such great effect in such an important building for County Kildare”.
The new stadium includes a 3,000-seat stand offering optimal views and upgraded facilities, designed to enhance the experience for spectators and players alike. The stadium now features enlarged dressing rooms, advanced lighting, a modern scoreboard, and an expanded pitch that meets the highest standards, making it a premier Gaelic games venue in Leinster. Additionally, a welcoming new entrance plaza and lush landscaping offer an inviting atmosphere for fans and visitors, transforming Cedral St. Conleth’s Park into a destination beyond match days.
Cedral St. Conleth’s Park is also set to become a popular venue for conferences, workshops, and team-building events. The Cedral Lounge, a key feature of the new development, offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pitch, a contemporary bar, and space for 250 delegates in a theatre-style setup. Designed for non-match day use, it provides a unique setting for events, from workshops to celebratory gatherings. Adjacent to the Cedral Lounge is an additional multi-use room and dedicated kitchen, ensuring that Cedral St. Conleth’s Park can support a wide range of functions for both business and community purposes.
As Cedral St. Conleth’s Park embarks on this new chapter, it stands ready to be a focal point for sports, business, and community in Kildare, bringing people together year-round in the heart of Newbridge. The next fixture is the UPMC Senior Hurling Final on the 3rd November between Maynooth and Naas. For more see www.kildaregaa.ie
