FAI Chief Executive John Delaney visited the club on Friday afternoon, and met club members to view the proposed site of the new pitch.

Club Secretary Graham Brennan revealed the help of the FAI is massive for the club.

“For us to raise €20,000, would involve us running two big events. Instantaneously, we have got that amount off the FAI, which is brilliant as it goes into grassroots football. To deal with people like John Delaney and Facilities Development Manager Walter Holleran has been unreal.

“Because our club has grown so much, we have no option but to go with a full-sized pitch. We are going into partnership with Luttrellstown Community College and we need to raise €300,000.

“The commitment of the FAI will now help us gain other sponsors and backers. We have hit €60,000 in recent months and hope to double that total by next year.”

Speaking in Porterstown Road, John Delaney admitted he was delighted to help the club, and they continue to grow.

“We’re delighted to give €20,000 to the club to match what they made at a recent Golf Day. It’s a football club with around 500 members.

“Working with the school means, the club will use it during the week and the club will have access at evenings and weekends.

“We’re working with the club, who are working with the school. We all have the same objective, which is to get children playing sports.”

CAPTION: FAI Chief Executive John Delaney presents a cheque to Rory McCarthy, left, Vice Chairman of St Mochta's FC, and Graham Brennan, Club Secretary of St Mochta's FC, during a ground development visit to St Mochta's FC in Dublin.