Salthill Devon promoted?

[KBurke]

Its been confirmed. Salthill will play in the first division. The home games will be in Drom

[BobtheDrog]

we played a preseason match against Galway in Drom a couple of years ago, one of the coldest grounds I've ever been to. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed we don't have to play them away in the cup this year

[WoodquayBoy]

With the way the wind whips around Drom, I'd be stunned if a temporary stand stayed in place

[gufc2000]

Devon set to accept League of Ireland spot

January 19, 2010 - 8:45am
Drom to host games
http://www.galwaynews.ie/10749-devon-set-accept-league-ireland-spot



DROM Soccer Park looks set o host League of Ireland football next season after Salthill Devon convened last night to ratify a proposal to proceed with their application to join the ranks of the First Division.

Devon would become the third club from Galway to be competing in the League of Ireland, giving the county the same representation as the entire province of Munster.
The Salthill outfit was deemed to have won promotion from the Newstalk A Championship when Kildare County was unable to play in the promotion/relegation playoff last November, and are now set to join Galway United and Mervue United in the country’s top two tiers.

Club Chairman Tony Johnstone told Sentinel Sport that the decision to proceed with the application was made following careful consideration of all relevant factors and an extensive cost-benefit analysis.
“After extensive research and some serious soul-searching we have concluded that the decision to apply for League of Ireland status is feasible and is very definitely what we want to do,” he said. “It has always been out desire to compete at the very highest level possible.”

The FAI have inspected Devon’s facilities at Drom and provided the club with a report outlining a number of small infrastructural changes necessary in order to comply with the organisation’s rules, although these are understood to be minor.
“There are still some things to be done arising from the report but we have been given a fair time frame and none are so sizable that they can’t be overcome,” explained Mr Johnstone.

There had been some speculation that Salthill Devon would approach the Galway and District League with a view to renting Terryland Park for ‘home’ games next season as Mervue United did last year. The Chairman dispelled this idea however, and said that this had never been a consideration.
“Renting another ground was never seen as an option for the club,” he said. “We take great pride in our facilities, and it is part of our fundamental philosophy that the first team should be on display there for the kids to aspire to and for our supporters to enjoy.”

The step up to the League of Ireland can involve a degree of financial risk and city counterparts Mervue United are rumoured to have incurred a loss of up to €70,000 during their inaugural season in the First Division. However, Mr Johnstone was confident of securing support for the proposal at the meeting at the Galway Bay Hotel last night.

“We are anticipating support but we are not taking it for granted,” he said. “People will be invited to voice their ideas and everything will be taken on board.”

[London-Irish]

Well it is nice to see that Salthill have taken their place in the league and are playing on their won ground. Does anyone know what spectator facilities they have put in place for the current season?

[Mr A]

Very little. Fence around the pitch just and a nice clubhouse at one end. I assume there are plans for a stand though.

[JC_GUFC]

Was there much of a crowd?

[blue til i die]

Was there much of a crowd?

330 i believe.

[GUFCghost]

We don't have to pay rent,we spent money on Terryland.