Dear Heritage Officer,

On behalf of the community of Castledermot and the members, past and present, of Castle Villa AFC, I wish to make a formal submission to the County Kildare Heritage Plan 2025 - 2031 Pre-Draft Discussion Paper. We enthusiastically support the council's initiative to "protect, improve and explain our shared heritage," and we propose a project that we believe embodies this vision: The establishment of a Castle Villa AFC Heritage Museum, to be located at our spiritual home, Mullarney Park.

For over half a century, Castle Villa AFC has been more than just a football club; it has been the beating heart of our community. Founded in 1969 by Walter Brookes, the club was born from a passion to provide an outlet for local talent and to build community spirit. In the 56 years since, it has woven itself into the very fabric of our local identity and social history.

This is not just a story of sport, but a story of heritage. It is a story of shared experience that connects generations. It lives in the memories of the victorious 1979 Counties Cup-winning team, the celebrated Sheeran Cup winners of 1984 and 1989, and the pride felt during the league and cup doubles of 1999 and 2001. Our club has the unique distinction of having won more Lumsden Cup trophies than any other in Kildare, a testament to our enduring legacy.

This rich history is the heritage of the men and women who built the club, the young people who found purpose and camaraderie on the pitch, and the families who have stood on the sidelines of Mullarney Park in every kind of weather, cheering on their neighbours, sons, and daughters. This is a living heritage that deserves to be formally protected, celebrated, and shared.

A dedicated museum at Mullarney Park would serve as a vital cultural and community hub. It would:

1. Protect Our Heritage: It would provide a secure, permanent home for a rich collection of memorabilia that currently resides in the private homes of past players and supporters. This includes decades of photographs, treasured jerseys, match programmes, newspaper clippings, and the silverware that tells the story of our greatest triumphs. Without a central archive, this tangible history is at risk of being lost forever.

2. Improve Our Community Infrastructure: The museum would be a new and significant community asset. It would serve as an educational resource for local schools studying local history, a destination for visitors, and a social hub where older and younger generations can connect through the shared story of their local club.

3. Explain Our Shared Story: It would create a narrative that explains the social history of Castledermot through the lens of its football club. It would tell the story of community resilience, voluntary spirit, and the enduring power of sport to create identity and belonging. This aligns perfectly with the Heritage Plan’s goal of acquiring knowledge and making heritage information available to the public in a user-friendly manner.

The story of Castle Villa AFC is a powerful example of intangible local heritage—of culture, traditions, and community spirit—that has produced a tangible and proud history. A museum at Mullarney Park would ensure this story is not only preserved but becomes a source of pride and inspiration for the next 50 years and beyond.

We are convinced that this project fits seamlessly into the objectives of the Kildare Heritage Plan 2025-2031. We would be delighted to present our vision in more detail and work closely with Kildare County Council to make this proposal a reality for the benefit of our community and the enrichment of the county's heritage landscape.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,