Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[NeverFeltBetter]

Interesting responses from the FG candidates there: the first seems to think there isn't really a problem because the application can be approved at any time, and the second wants to pass the buck to Donegal County Council, who, of course, are dominated by FG's opposition.

[Eminence Grise]

I'm ready to believe the worst of the Council.

I mean: anybody who uses Comic Sans in a formal letter is capable of anything.

[Mr A]

Interesting responses from the FG candidates there: the first seems to think there isn't really a problem because the application can be approved at any time, and the second wants to pass the buck to Donegal County Council, who, of course, are dominated by FG's opposition.

First one just a kick to touch to get through election in my view. But the council coming aboard is a positive for sure and Harley is a genuine supporter of the club.

[Nesta99]

Peter Fitzpatrick was canvassing outside Oriel on Thursday night. Asked him why he vetoed the ground development for Drogheda and Dundalk mid-louth and he claimed that Dundalk didnt want to be involved which scuppered the plan so hmmmmm!!, there was something about proximity to rail station but it was hard to keep up fully. He also said that now as County Chairman he will guarantee that Dundalk FC would have use of the County Ground if and whenever required. When suggested that that is a decision for GAA Congress rather than Louth Chairman he suggested that he would have enough sway in govt to get the GAA to play ball. So hmmmmmm!! (Harps fans should register to vote in Louth and get Fitzer elected as it seems he has significant clout - ground problems solved over night post election results). Thing is he is pretty well known for being an honest broker - maybe a term in office has turned him...

[EatYerGreens]

Peter Fitzpatrick was canvassing outside Oriel on Thursday night. Asked him why he vetoed the ground development for Drogheda and Dundalk mid-louth and he claimed that Dundalk didnt want to be involved which scuppered the plan so hmmmmm!!, there was something about proximity to rail station but it was hard to keep up fully. He also said that now as County Chairman he will guarantee that Dundalk FC would have use of the County Ground if and whenever required. When suggested that that is a decision for GAA Congress rather than Louth Chairman he suggested that he would have enough sway in govt to get the GAA to play ball. So hmmmmmm!! (Harps fans should register to vote in Louth and get Fitzer elected as it seems he has significant clout - ground problems solved over night post election results). Thing is he is pretty well known for being an honest broker - maybe a term in office has turned him...

Sounds like a man saying anything to get re-elected. Which party is he? And isn't County Chairman primarily a ceremonial/figurehead role, rather than a power broker one?

[Nesta99]

He was FG but is now running as an independent. He has a chance at the last seat due to the Gah support that got him elected last time out. I think it was highly ironic that he was canvassing outside a Dundalk v Drogheda game all things considered. I'm not that familiar with how exactly GAA is set up in Louth these days but I'd have thought the county delegate to Congress mattered more than the County Chairman. In the past the County Secretary was a law unto himself!
That said Fitzpatrick is very highly thought of in GAA circles in general and potentially being a TD also could be a benefit to (Louth) GAA. He seemed a bit caught on the hop as if it wasnt known that he lobbied against DkIT multisport stadium. He didnt hold back when asked about the conduct of the former County Secretary which for different reasons was refreshing. He was of course saying what needed to be said, but I was still quite surprised by his comments on the County Ground being made available at all as he has a reputation at least for not being an entirely self serving TD and generally seemed to stick by his principles irrespective of how popular they were or not. Do I think Dundalk will play in the new County Ground someday - yes it is likely at some point. Will it be a regularised agreement brokered by Fitzer I highly doubt it. As an aside he is dreadful whenever interviewed by various media, he isnt so bad in person. I would hope that I wasnt the only person who questioned his camaigning outside Oriel, like he is certainly entitled to but it was an opportunity to raise issues on Oriel Park to a potential elected TD. What was also of note was when the difficult questions were asked his 'team' distanced themselved and the smiles disappeared so they possibly anticipated a less than warm welcome from some quarters.

[cobhlad]

Cobh Ramblers running a GoFundMe as the St Colman’s Park dugout has been destroyed by Storm Ciara. A new one now*has to be put in before the start of the season, as well as the backing fence. Last thing we need so close to the opener.*Any donations are much appreciated.*https://www.gofundme.com/f/storm-ciara-repair-works?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

[2 Year Contract]

For anyone unaware, the Shed in Richmond has been taken down

https://www.the42.ie/the-shed-st-patricks-athletic-4998761-Feb2020/

[oriel]

Fitzpatrick got elected in the end in Louth, and even though he is an ex DFC youth player (almost sure), he is GAA to the core, but certainly big into Dundalk town and FC also, so we'll see, but I still don't think he will have a veto over GAA council. I think you only have to look at the Liam Miller game to see the level the GAA are at, almost had to be begged to stand down.

On the ground itself, of course, absolutely nothing done during the winter to Oriel Park, they will go on about the 600k spent inside the YDC, new dressing rooms, new gym, new media room, players food hall etc, and all well and good and players looked after.

As for the fans, both home and away, it will be another season of just not acceptable, I honesty think the only way is for new LOI / FAI to impose minimum standards of say 3k covered seats, or withhold a PD licence, give any club like DFC a strict time limit to get it done, which would essentially force the owners to have no choice to make improvements.

It might work, but it shouldn't have to come down like this, but something needs to be done, its 2020 and we have a ground stuck in the 70's. Not good enough.

[Yossarian]

Fitzpatrick got elected in the end in Louth, and even though he is an ex DFC youth player (almost sure), he is GAA to the core, but certainly big into Dundalk town and FC also, so we'll see, but I still don't think he will have a veto over GAA council.

I don’t know where you’re getting the notion that he is big into Dundalk FC. The only time he appears at oriel is at the European games. He has zero interest in the club. And anyone who believed his nonsense in the run up to the election, that he’ll make sure we can use the GAA ground when we need it, is deluded.

[nigel-harps1954]

The only way stadia in Ireland will get improved is with strict capacity cuts, safe capacity figures, closing poor stands, refusing licences to unfit grounds forcing potential fround shares.

The onus is on clubs to apply for grants, and push for ground improvements. Sligo led the way for how they've done it. In other cases, approaching councils to do the work has also proven successful.

But licencing is too soft, safe capacity figures are too high in some cases, and others are just too comfortable in sub standard stadia.

[redobit]

The only way stadia in Ireland will get improved is with strict capacity cuts, safe capacity figures, closing poor stands, refusing licences to unfit grounds forcing potential fround shares.

The onus is on clubs to apply for grants, and push for ground improvements. Sligo led the way for how they've done it. In other cases, approaching councils to do the work has also proven successful.



To a point. As far as I know if the clubs wanted to apply for the sports grants they needed to apply through the FAI. Given what we know now it is hard to know what happened with grants and where any money went. Hopefully that will change now.

You mentioned The Showgrounds improvements. Its far from perfect tbh, but when we had our success we put money into infrastructure. The money came from prize money but some cute people in the club also used the success/ good will to get local companies to invest. There was no huge donations but they all added up if you can get enough people. As well as that The Showgrounds is probably as important to Sligo Rovers fans as the club is. Maybe that sounds odd but there couldn't be one without the other. The fans bought it, its ours same as the club and the people of Sligo are extremely proud of that, so fans are willing to invest in it. Which probably isint the same for any other club in the league.

[Mr A]

On the above- it's true that clubs now have to apply via FAI. For the Harps project we had to reapply when old National Development Plan ended and new one began via the FAI.

Piece in Irish Times on Harps and league's general situation. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/national-league/league-of-ireland-clubs-in-dire-need-of-investment-funding-from-public-purse-1.4168910

[Paulgufc]

Cobh have raised almost 2k for their dugouts. Nice to see LOI fans helping one of the smaller clubs

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Drogs looking into installing an artificial pitch in United Park. If its a good quality one it's probably a smart move for the club given the FAI probably won't be in a position to help with their potential new ground anytime soon and I remains to be seen where the government will spend whatever money it has left after this.

https://twitter.com/DroghedaUnited/status/1247475824099549184?s=19

[Nesta99]

Drogs looking into installing an artificial pitch in United Park. If its a good quality one it's probably a smart move for the club given the FAI probably won't be in a position to help with their potential new ground anytime soon and I remains to be seen where the government will spend whatever money it has left after this.

https://twitter.com/DroghedaUnited/status/1247475824099549184?s=19

Oh the irony!! During a survey of United Park when working with LCC Terry Collins (I think is his surname) stated that Drogheda United would never need to opt for an artificial surface as unlike Dundalk they didnt need the additional income from pitch rental. He spent more time taking swipes at Dundalk than he did on DUFC being reigning champions for the 1st time. I wouldnt mind bumping in to him again to ask his thoughts on the matter!

As we all know too well, the time it takes for stadium development can be eternal. That said Id question the thinking behind spending signiicant money installing a new pitch in United Park when plans for a move away from United Park are quite progressed since LCC provided a new site. DUFC must not consider the move feasible which is a little odd as the Dept of Health have been jumping up and down waiting to acquire United Park for expansion to the hospital. All pre covid-19 costs of course.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Oh the irony!! During a survey of United Park when working with LCC Terry Collins (I think is his surname) stated that Drogheda United would never need to opt for an artificial surface as unlike Dundalk they didnt need the additional income from pitch rental. He spent more time taking swipes at Dundalk than he did on DUFC being reigning champions for the 1st time. I wouldnt mind bumping in to him again to ask his thoughts on the matter!

As we all know too well, the time it takes for stadium development can be eternal. That said Id question the thinking behind spending signiicant money installing a new pitch in United Park when plans for a move away from United Park are quite progressed since LCC provided a new site. DUFC must not consider the move feasible which is a little odd as the Dept of Health have been jumping up and down waiting to acquire United Park for expansion to the hospital. All pre covid-19 costs of course.

Agree with the second part, don't know the ins and outs regarding the site but if it's secure you'd imagine it would make more sense to build the artificial pitch there now, even if there's nothing else there bar maybe prefabs for changing rooms and toilets. You'd have the same income potential but much lower overheads in the longer term I'd imagine

[oriel]

I never thought a new stadium would have been built in Drogheda, just don't see what demand there is for it, but it is a pity there is almost no scope for development where they are. Maybe if they knocked one side down completely that might work. They also need to re-apply for that bar licence, thats a ridicolous waste of revenue being idle for so long.

As for the artificial pitch, thanfully these are now mostly good standard, the two DFC had from 2005 up to end of 2017 were not good, especially the former one. The version they installed in Jan/Feb 2018 was at least a good quality, then again you get what you pay for, that cost 500k I think. The version that Derry have is the same I think. One to note that is the worst quality from this era is outside the league, Cliftonville, looks dreadful.

On the subject of renting these out, not so sure thats a goer these days, as most big GAA clubs have ones now, and demand is down, I don't even think Dundalk rent it out, as its used daily for training for home games, even in the week for away games when they use the grass pitch behdin the away goal, they would stiill be 'on site'. plus I think the main other users are now for community purposes.

I think after C-19 there will be a big scale back in public funding, we could all be back to another income levy (700k currently in receipt of some sort of welfare - its not free money), so not sure they'll be much left over for anything other than modest sports grants, stadia funding will be well down a long list, if not completely cancelled.

[Nesta99]

I never thought a new stadium would have been built in Drogheda, just don't see what demand there is for it, but it is a pity there is almost no scope for development where they are. Maybe if they knocked one side down completely that might work. They also need to re-apply for that bar licence, thats a ridicolous waste of revenue being idle for so long.

As for the artificial pitch, thanfully these are now mostly good standard, the two DFC had from 2005 up to end of 2017 were not good, especially the former one. The version they installed in Jan/Feb 2018 was at least a good quality, then again you get what you pay for, that cost 500k I think. The version that Derry have is the same I think. One to note that is the worst quality from this era is outside the league, Cliftonville, looks dreadful.

On the subject of renting these out, not so sure thats a goer these days, as most big GAA clubs have ones now, and demand is down, I don't even think Dundalk rent it out, as its used daily for training for home games, even in the week for away games when they use the grass pitch behdin the away goal, they would stiill be 'on site'. plus I think the main other users are now for community purposes.

I think after C-19 there will be a big scale back in public funding, we could all be back to another income levy (700k currently in receipt of some sort of welfare - its not free money), so not sure they'll be much left over for anything other than modest sports grants, stadia funding will be well down a long list, if not completely cancelled.

Any development at United Park is a non-runner, similar to the County ground proposal behind United Park. There is recognition that this would permantly landlock OLOL. They want the site but want ownership straight off. DUFC wanted a new ground open before vacating U.P. So things stalled for a while for that and that LCC would then look for some payment for the site provided out of sny sale money. The solution proposed was a groundshare possibly at Oriel while the new place was being worked on. DUFC didnt seem to want to groundshare and tbh if it was to do with needing gate receipt income I can understand that as attendances would be nonexistant especially if playng in Dundalk.

The planned devekopment is one 2k capacity stand and associated works which would be sufficient especially if a Limerick style stand or one behind goal terrace for away support was also done with a small stand allocation to away fans. The days of DUFC planning a complete new ground (with 30k housing and retail units - yes 30k) have finally been binned and one stand would do. There is still a possibility of their project happening in the medium term as they have a willing buyer for their ground already and the FAI generously agreed that all the would want is the £30k that they payed for United Park to bail DUFC out of trouble early 90s. The FAI were looking to change that agreement a few years ago I preesume to try and eek out a slice of the sale for their own coffers, but the original agreement is nw being honoured. Im sure United Park would sell at a decent price to get at least the basics of a new ground in place so with not being entirely dependant on SCG I just think it odd to be investing circa €500k on something that could be torn up again in the future. As RH said, installing it at the new site would make more sense to me albeit not knowing the ins and outs of it all. There isnt the same level of demand for pitch rental that there was when Oriel had the pitch installed but there is some demand and a saving in maintenance and renting training facilities.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Obviously Louth isn't on the same scale as Dublin but here all artificial pitches are in near constant use, tends to part of planning permission for floodlights that pitches be open to wider community.

Obviously being a LOI club the status of the first team will determine when they train so will determine who they target to use the pitch.

[Nesta99]

DIFE has just put in an artificial pitch and its practically beside United Park. Drogheda Grammar School have one also, there are a few small 5 a side pitches. Certainly no municipal facility. There is a shortage of full size picthes of any type in Drogheda (Drogheda Town FC and DUFC even push the 'full size' limit though are good surfaces) so it could be an earner but again mainly if it is not in U.P. Having 2 picthes within a few minutes walk if one goes in to United Park wouldnt be ideal.

The Astro Dome at DkIT Sport doesnt seem to have the demand it used to but I havent been there during an evening. I also thought that it was Dundalk FC that cut back on Oriel pitch availability as much as a lack of demand - those floodlights I sure cost a good bit to run and they are on nearly every evening. There is the municipal pitch at Dundalk Sports Centre that is busy in the evenings.

[wonder88]

Scannal programme on RTE1 tonight is covering the Bertie Bowl at 8pm. It could be interesting, there is certainly a story here and how things get done in Ireland. I remember being against it at the time. Reason being I wanted soccer to have our own ground, but mostly due to the arrangement where the consultant/project manager was paid on the basis of a percentage of the cost. So the higher the cost the more the consultant got paid.
Looking back, I think Bertie might have had the right idea. Did the state really get value for money from the Aviva? A large stadium owned by the FAI was never realistic I feel now. Loads of other questions as well, the interest of some of the opponents etc. Be interesting how much the programme covers anyway.

[Martinho II]

Scannal programme on RTE1 tonight is covering the Bertie Bowl at 8pm. It could be interesting, there is certainly a story here and how things get done in Ireland. I remember being against it at the time. Reason being I wanted soccer to have our own ground, but mostly due to the arrangement where the consultant/project manager was paid on the basis of a percentage of the cost. So the higher the cost the more the consultant got paid.
Looking back, I think Bertie might have had the right idea. Did the state really get value for money from the Aviva? A large stadium owned by the FAI was never realistic I feel now. Loads of other questions as well, the interest of some of the opponents etc. Be interesting how much the programme covers anyway.

Yeah I remember this controversy all right but never fully understood it. Cheers for the reminder will watch this!

[John83]

Was the Bertie Bowl programme any good? Learn anything?

[wonder88]

I suppose there wasn't much new in it, for those who remember the times. No discussion at all on the lucrative consultant contract, which I think was fairly central to the saga. The offer of 11 million for the league of Ireland/grassroots to get on board with the Campus was a quite substantial sum, if put into facilities could certainly have a positive effect. Interesting to see a certain John Delaney of the anti-Eircom Park side of the FAI explain how they saved the organisation from going bankrupt. This i suppose was the highlight.
There is an extended interview with Bertie on the rte player, which I haven't watched yet.
It would have been impossible to cover the story in any detail in 30 minute programme anyway.

[Kingdom]

I suppose there wasn't much new in it, for those who remember the times. No discussion at all on the lucrative consultant contract, which I think was fairly central to the saga. The offer of 11 million for the league of Ireland/grassroots to get on board with the Campus was a quite substantial sum, if put into facilities could certainly have a positive effect. Interesting to see a certain John Delaney of the anti-Eircom Park side of the FAI explain how they saved the organisation from going bankrupt. This i suppose was the highlight.
There is an extended interview with Bertie on the rte player, which I haven't watched yet.
It would have been impossible to cover the story in any detail in 30 minute programme anyway.

I've no idea of your age, or profession, so you could be much better placed to debate this than me, but I don't really think the consultancy contract was anything to do with it. The simple fact of the matter was that Croker was planning towards being a fully-seated stadium (the GAA were exploring the Hill End possibilities), the IRFU was going to be redeveloping Lansdowne at some point, and the idea of the FAI going alone on a modestly sized stadium, would have put paid to any dreams of a Bertie Bowl.
I think - but could be wrong - that eircom Park was being built on a site the FAI owned (out at Newlands-ish) and wasn't going to be a huge stadium by any stretch of the imagination (think 38-40k was the capacity).

It would have been an infinitely better deal than the one we've ended up with, whereby we are broke anyway, but only have a temporary leasehold.
I read as well that the Bertie Bowl would have been spec'd out to cater for GAA as well, which would have made football matches as horrible in it, as they were in Croker.
It is one of the things that absolutely sickens me, is the use of land and resources at home.

[Martinho II]

I've no idea of your age, or profession, so you could be much better placed to debate this than me, but I don't really think the consultancy contract was anything to do with it. The simple fact of the matter was that Croker was planning towards being a fully-seated stadium (the GAA were exploring the Hill End possibilities), the IRFU was going to be redeveloping Lansdowne at some point, and the idea of the FAI going alone on a modestly sized stadium, would have put paid to any dreams of a Bertie Bowl.
I think - but could be wrong - that eircom Park was being built on a site the FAI owned (out at Newlands-ish) and wasn't going to be a huge stadium by any stretch of the imagination (think 38-40k was the capacity).



Yeah correct as the documentary said that the FAI site would have being at Citywest which is the exact same area. I thought it was an excellent documentary at it summed up the whole deal perfectly!

[wonder88]

The FAI didn't own the land Eircom Park was to be on, had an option. It is where City West Hotel is. The IRFU owned land at Newlands Cross, but at the time they were fully behind the Bertie Bowl. Sold it over a year ago for 25million profit.

Good article here on the saga https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0418/1132376-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-bertie-bowl/

The contract for the consultant, where the bigger the cost the more she got paid, had a big negative influence on public opinion towards the project. Also awarding the contract to run the swimming pool to a shelf company didn't help either.

Bertie current proposal for 25,000 capacity stadium for Dublin has some merit, could be handy for League of Ireland teams in Europe etc.

[pineapple stu]

You'd need a pretty big "etc" to justify that stadium. Probably Legia, Juve and Spurs are the only two games in the past decade that could have been moved to a 25k ground - and even then there's a strong argument to keep games in Tallaght/Oriel where possible for home advantage.

[wonder88]

FAI Cup finals and pre-season friendlies v example Chelsea last summer. Dublin gaa footballers league games. Other inter-county gaa, plus athletics.

[Kingdom]

The FAI didn't own the land Eircom Park was to be on, had an option. It is where City West Hotel is. The IRFU owned land at Newlands Cross, but at the time they were fully behind the Bertie Bowl. Sold it over a year ago for 25million profit.

Good article here on the saga https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0418/1132376-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-bertie-bowl/

The contract for the consultant, where the bigger the cost the more she got paid, had a big negative influence on public opinion towards the project. Also awarding the contract to run the swimming pool to a shelf company didn't help either.

Bertie current proposal for 25,000 capacity stadium for Dublin has some merit, could be handy for League of Ireland teams in Europe etc.
Thanks for that. I'll have a look at the link. Come to think of it, I don't recall at any point discussions about the consultant (probably not the interesting debate for a 16 yr old), but do recall objections raised in the media about floodlights and Baldonnel Aerodrome. That's the main think I recall.

Bertie Ahern deserves absolutely **** all say in what politicians of this day should be doing. He's playing the GAA card with his call for a 25k "national" stadium. Interesting that he didn't rmake that call publically before the GAA shelved the plans for their own 25k in the Spawell.


You'd need a pretty big "etc" to justify that stadium. Probably Legia, Juve and Spurs are the only two games in the past decade that could have been moved to a 25k ground - and even then there's a strong argument to keep games in Tallaght/Oriel where possible for home advantage.
I agree with this now, probably wouldn't have done so 5 years ago. When Tallaght is done (2022 probably), it's a 10k all-seater stadium, on the main artery out of Dublin with access via efficient public transport to the main country station hubs.
When Dalymount is done (likely 2024 at this stage), it's a 6k all-seater stadium on the north artery out of Dublin with access via efficient public transport to the main country station hubs. Those two alone will be sufficient for Rovers, Bohs, Dundalk, Drogheda, Pats.


FAI Cup finals and pre-season friendlies v example Chelsea last summer. Dublin gaa footballers league games. Other inter-county gaa, plus athletics.

You can't play Inter-county GAA. and have official standard athletics in the same stadium pitch size doesn't allow it.
The FAI cup final deserves to be in the national football stadium. It is a highlight of the domestic game. Bottom-tier Lansdowne, full, with both ends assigned to the finalists is the right thing to do. The interest is there.

[WeAreRovers]

Tallaght Stadium 4th stand and West Stand redevelopment passed by SDCC.

https://twitter.com/theechoonline/status/1270058802755375104?s=21

[D24Saint]

Tallaght Stadium 4th stand and West Stand redevelopment passed by SDCC.

https://twitter.com/theechoonline/status/1270058802755375104?s=21

It will be some facility when the renovations are finished. The SDCC deserves credit for their foresight, the Dublin City council are dragging their heels on Dalymount and shot us down for our proposals.

[oriel]

In an interview with Peak6 main guy and DFC chairman last week, one of the local papers, they said they had drawn up plans to improve Oriel Park, then it got put on hold due to C-19. Interesting that they have at last said they want to go ahead with this.

I`ll believe it when I see a JCB/ heavy machinery etc on site though.

** And another update in one of this weeks local papers, P6 now talking about a new stand and raising capacity to 8k.

(note to self to check if this is actually 09/06 or 01/04)

[Buller]

In an interview with Peak6 main guy and DFC chairman last week, one of the local papers, they said they had drawn up plans to improve Oriel Park, then it got put on hold due to C-19. Interesting that they have at last said they want to go ahead with this.

I`ll believe it when I see a JCB/ heavy machinery etc on site though.

** And another update in one of this weeks local papers, P6 now talking about a new stand and raising capacity to 8k.

(note to self to check if this is actually 09/06 or 01/04)

Nice one. Which end or side would the new stand be on?

[oriel]

Nice one. Which end or side would the new stand be on?

Haven't seen the paper yet Buller, only reading updates from the author on twitter @jamesdundalk he mentions 'standS' and also p6 looking to extend to 8k.

As ever though, actions > words.

[Mr A]

Harps looking to upgrade Finn Park to enable a return to football at the venue. We recognize that whenever football returns to grounds, we need upgrades to play at Finn Park.

https://www.finnharps.ie/post/finn-harps-launch-gofundme-appeal-to-bring-football-home

[Bucket]

Has there been any news regarding the new stadium recently?

[Mr A]

Work continues with the department AFAIK, we were sent forward to the Strategic Review section of department of Sport with the 'successful' projects following the funding announcement earlier this year when we kicked up a fuss about being excluded and pointed out it was spread that we had not provided an economic assessment when we absolutely 100% had done so. So we're in the system somewhere and will do all we can to progress it.

[ger121]

Work continues with the department AFAIK, we were sent forward to the Strategic Review section of department of Sport with the 'successful' projects following the funding announcement earlier this year when we kicked up a fuss about being excluded and pointed out it was spread that we had not provided an economic assessment when we absolutely 100% had done so. So we're in the system somewhere and will do all we can to progress it.

So your idea is on file, in a filing cabinet?

[Nesta99]

Is that a play on the Donegal Catch ad?

Dont answer just had a look at the ad lol. :o

[oriel]

Still no confirmed updates since the DFC chairman based in US said he would look at building 'stands', and to increase Oriel Park up to 8k, direct quotes given to one of the local papers 3 weeks ago. In a follow up he said C-19 put paid to getting work done, plans are in place and steering committee also set up, so we'll see. For me, I'll need to see a big yellow JCB up there first, action > words etc.

Anyway the 0.75m now spent on the YDC, now re-named Oriel Training Centre is looking well worth the investment, recent photo shoots of charity cheque presentations and a new signing were all shot on the new balcony stage, looks like they have built a veranda to the side entrance, looks well from the few photos I saw, and I think they will publish more later this season with a full PR of the place, would be good to see.

As would a JCB in other parts!

[Ezeikial]

Anyway the 0.75m now spent on the YDC, now re-named Oriel Training Centre

https://www.dundalkfc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1905514-scaled.jpg

[The Lilywhites]

Still no confirmed updates since the DFC chairman based in US said he would look at building 'stands', and to increase Oriel Park up to 8k, direct quotes given to one of the local papers 3 weeks ago. In a follow up he said C-19 put paid to getting work done, plans are in place and steering committee also set up, so we'll see. For me, I'll need to see a big yellow JCB up there first, action > words etc.

Anyway the 0.75m now spent on the YDC, now re-named Oriel Training Centre is looking well worth the investment, recent photo shoots of charity cheque presentations and a new signing were all shot on the new balcony stage, looks like they have built a veranda to the side entrance, looks well from the few photos I saw, and I think they will publish more later this season with a full PR of the place, would be good to see.

As would a JCB in other parts!

I thought Bill was living across the road from Oriel these days.

Where did the 750k figure on the YDC come from, quoted twice on this forum today? It's gone from 300k originally to 500k to now 750k!

That veranda was always there btw. Gerry Matthews put it there.

[dundalkfc10]

I thought Bill was living across the road from Oriel these days.

Where did the 750k figure on the YDC come from, quoted twice on this forum today? It's gone from 300k originally to 500k to now 750k!

That veranda was always there btw. Gerry Matthews put it there.

Ah Gerry, the man who saved and then nearly destroyed the club.

[oriel]

I thought Bill was living across the road from Oriel these days.

Where did the 750k figure on the YDC come from, quoted twice on this forum today? It's gone from 300k originally to 500k to now 750k!

That veranda was always there btw. Gerry Matthews put it there.

Its def up there close to 750, 300 was never a figure, 500 was, then other items added. Veranda looks to have been added to then.

[The Lilywhites]

Ah Gerry, the man who saved and then nearly destroyed the club.

Well considering the Fastfix lads didn't put a single penny into facilities at Oriel, it's actually welcome PEAK6 have done something, even if it is in Gerry Matthews' building and for players only. Hopefully supporters' facilities are actually on their agenda and not just talk about it.

[The Lilywhites]

Its def up there close to 750, 300 was never a figure, 500 was, then other items added. Veranda looks to have been added to then.

It was originally announced as a 300k upgrade, according to the below article. Then it jumped to 500k, now 750k has come out of somewhere (probably to make the losses recorded last year look better?)

https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/the-argus/20190108/282218011928650

I think the veranda maybe looks different as it used to say Reilly's on it (covered by Dundalk FC now).

[dundalkfc10]

Well considering the Fastfix lads didn't put a single penny into facilities at Oriel, it's actually welcome PEAK6 have done something, even if it is in Gerry Matthews' building and for players only. Hopefully supporters' facilities are actually on their agenda and not just talk about it.

Wrong Dundalk own the building, Gerry does not own it.

The fastfix lads stepped in to save the club because of Gerry and left the club in the best state its ever been, bank wise and on the field.

Peak 6 have stated from day 1, improvements on ground will be done after success on the field, facilities for the team etc. They have provided the first 2 and have now confirmed they have some plans done for Oriel which were put on hold during Covid.

Gerry's building Hahaha

Does the person who built my house own it since they had it first?

[The Lilywhites]

Wrong Dundalk own the building, Gerry does not own it.

The fastfix lads stepped in to save the club because of Gerry and left the club in the best state its ever been, bank wise and on the field.

Peak 6 have stated from day 1, improvements on ground will be done after success on the field, facilities for the team etc. They have provided the first 2 and have now confirmed they have some plans done for Oriel which were put on hold during Covid.

Gerry's building Hahaha

Does the person who built my house own it since they had it first?

You know what I meant but if you want to be technical about it, Dundalk own nothing, we rent Oriel. The Casey Family own it.

"Put on hold during Covid" or not happening because of Covid is a ready made, easy excuse with a lot of things. Lets see what happens.