Representatives of  Castlebar Mitchels Ladies GAA Club made a presentation yesterday to members of Castlebar Municipal District requesting a 99 year lease on a council owned site for use as a football pitch.

The proposed location of the new pitch is at Lios Na Circe just off the N84 Ballinrobe road on the southern edge of the town.

At the moment, Mitchels Ladies, which has more than 260 female players spanning all age groups,  share facilities with Davitt College.

The college pitch has only one toilet and one dressing room - a situation that is described as "totally  inadequate" by club secretary Fintan Keane.

 The request by Mr. Keane for a 99 year lease on the property at Lios Na Circe received an enthusiastic welcome from councillors at yesterday's meeting.

However, Carnacon based representative Al McDonnell pointed out that Carnacon, where a ladiesGAA club was established in 1986, still hasn't got a dedicated pitch, although Ballintubber GAA grounds is available from time to time.

Councillor McDonnell, who was backed up by Councillor Cyril Burke, wanted an assurance thatif the new facility in Castlebar does go ahead it will also be available for use by other ladies GAA clubs such as Carnacon.

Concerns were raised by some members about the nature of the terrain at the site of the proposed pitch.

 These reservations were echoed by senior executive engineer Ann Sweeney who described ground  conditions there as "very challenging".

It was agreed that councillors and officials will make an inspection visit to the proposed site of the new pitch.