Knockavilla National School Launches ‘Astro on the Hill’ Fundraising Campaign for All-Weather Pitch
Knockavilla National School in Innishannon, County Cork, Ireland, has officially launched its ‘Astro on the Hill’ fundraising campaign, aiming to deliver an all-weather playing facility for its students and the local community. The project seeks to transform the school’s playing pitch into a modern, accessible space for year-round use.
Community-Focused Facility
School principal Ronán Collins emphasized that the astro-turf pitch, once completed, will serve as a community resource available to local sports clubs. This initiative aims to address the limited play space available during the winter months, currently restricting pitch usability from November to March, and sometimes into April .
Fundraising Efforts and Launch Event
The fundraising campaign, scheduled to run until October, will involve a series of events and child-led initiatives throughout the year. The official launch event, held on Thursday, February 9th, 2026 , brought together pupils, families, staff, supporters, and local political representatives.
Initial Donations and Support
The campaign received an early boost with a €2,500 donation from Kevin Canty and John Lynch of Glen Valley Rovers . Valley Rovers GAA also presented a cheque to the school on Thursday, February 12th, 2026, to support the development . The launch also marked the opening of an online donation page and the commencement of a goal prediction fundraiser tied to the upcoming Ireland v Czechia football match.
Benefits for Students and the Wider Community
Mr. Collins, who previously managed the Cork City Football Club women’s first team from 2018 to 2021, highlighted the significant benefits an astro-turf pitch would provide to students and staff. He noted the school’s strong connections with local clubs and the potential for the pitch to grow a community center, offering year-round access to play space .
How to Donate
Individuals interested in supporting the ‘Astro on the Hill’ fundraiser can discover further information and make donations through the school’s Facebook page .