Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[bohsmug]

That's....something else. Suppose it will still be fine for their European friendlies.

Jokes aside, I totally get the attraction of safe standing and wish we had it in Tallaght, but to sacrifice playing big European ties at home for it seems a bit ridiculous. Surprised the council agreed to let them make any decisions on those lines tbh.

I don't think there was an option of 8k+ seating vs 8K+ seating and standing. It was more or less 6k seating between the 2 pitchside stands plus whatever you can squeeze in behind the goals. Terracing makes more sense in that case because you can squeeze more in. The areas behind the goal look odd as they are in the plan anyway, they'd look even odder trying to get seats in I think. I do wonder if they had put raised stands in the design could they have fit more in and still kept the pathway, with the pathway being more underneath the stand as opposed to behind it. Also feels like a fair bit of the design of the pitchside stands is done a certain way to avoid objections (stand height, gradient and light). I wouldn't know enough about costs but comparing cost to greenfield site is inaccurate/irrelevant unless suggesting scraping Dalymount altogether and developing on a greenfield site - which is a fair enough opinion but not the side I'd generally fall on.

My understanding is that Cat4 was ruled out long, long ago due to the additional facilities required, not seating capacity alone. That twitter post looks more like it relates to a misunderstanding/misuse of the term "Cat4" vs "all seater", perhaps accurately reporting what was said at the meeting. I didn't watch the meeting personally.

[ontheotherhand]

I don't think there was an option of 8k+ seating vs 8K+ seating and standing. It was more or less 6k seating between the 2 pitchside stands plus whatever you can squeeze in behind the goals. Terracing makes more sense in that case because you can squeeze more in. The areas behind the goal look odd as they are in the plan anyway, they'd look even odder trying to get seats in I think. I do wonder if they had put raised stands in the design could they have fit more in and still kept the pathway, with the pathway being more underneath the stand as opposed to behind it. Also feels like a fair bit of the design of the pitchside stands is done a certain way to avoid objections (stand height, gradient and light). I wouldn't know enough about costs but comparing cost to greenfield site is inaccurate/irrelevant unless suggesting scraping Dalymount altogether and developing on a greenfield site - which is a fair enough opinion but not the side I'd generally fall on.

My understanding is that Cat4 was ruled out long, long ago due to the additional facilities required, not seating capacity alone. That twitter post looks more like it relates to a misunderstanding/misuse of the term "Cat4" vs "all seater", perhaps accurately reporting what was said at the meeting. I didn't watch the meeting personally.

That's fair enough. I've read a lot of stuff about this plan that I would be taking with a large pinch of salt. That the pitch was rotated because UEFA prefer north/south aspects for pitches being one. Saw that on Twitter. Could be true, seems insane.

I just hope it actually gets done at this point. I'd have no problem enjoying bohs being homeless for a while but we need you in a proper ground. There can be no light without the dark after all, and it's a bonus that you can't say much about our council owned stadium anymore.

[brendy_éire]

Smaller associations really should be at UEFA looking for dispensation for Cat 3 stadia for the majority of games.

According to Derry club officials, there seems to be a realisation about this. Heard it was expected to be brought in for this season, but no word.
The changes would also allow safe standing to all clubs.

With smaller clubs more regularly qualifying for league competition, it just makes sense.

[ontheotherhand]

There’s talk of introducing safe standing in the South Stand. No idea of timelines though.

Heard the council are adding the corners in too. Will be nice and cozy.

[total hoofball]

Shels' Tolka 250 year lease with DCC has been completed today

https://shelbournefc.ie/shelbourne-football-club-is-delighted-to-announce-that-the-formal-agreements-with-dublin-city-council-for-a-250-year-lease-of-tolka-park-have-been-completed/

[Nesta99]

That's fair enough. I've read a lot of stuff about this plan that I would be taking with a large pinch of salt. That the pitch was rotated because UEFA prefer north/south aspects for pitches being one. Saw that on Twitter. Could be true, seems insane.

I just hope it actually gets done at this point. I'd have no problem enjoying bohs being homeless for a while but we need you in a proper ground. There can be no light without the dark after all, and it's a bonus that you can't say much about our council owned stadium anymore.

Yeah and before games everyone must bow in the direction of Geneva! Eh no pitch orientation is not an issue. What is is the ability to grow grass if that is the surface and that has to do with light artificial or natural so height of stands, roofing material etc are relevant. Some light reading for those that could be bothered. https://editorial.uefa.com/resources/027b-168e898b309b-c76f49dada9e-1000/the_uefa_sustainable_infrastructure_guidelines.pdf P125 for pitch stuff. Its would be genuinely be of interest to clubs who are serious about any sustainable development. No brainers - waste/rainwater capture for watering pitches, flushing bogs etc etc. Doesnt specify needing to have bees...

[Nesta99]

Shels' Tolka 250 year lease with DCC has been completed today

https://shelbournefc.ie/shelbourne-football-club-is-delighted-to-announce-that-the-formal-agreements-with-dublin-city-council-for-a-250-year-lease-of-tolka-park-have-been-completed/

Any major capital investment requirements or has a lot of the required work been done that were written in to the original lease proposal?

Really minor observation recently, when watching Drogs v Bohs, whenever they cut to the really high level drone shots the ground roofs looked like there would collapse at any moment with the rust. Eve just to make the last a bit longer some auld metal paint is needed to stop eroding through, Shels also, the barrel roof could be spruced up. Throw the state of Oriel up but roofs are fie whetever abou the rest.

[nr637]

Looking at the new Dalymount Park upgrade, what is the capacity for the proposed terracing behind both goals, the Des Kelly & Tramway ends?

[bohsmug]

Looking at the new Dalymount Park upgrade, what is the capacity for the proposed terracing behind both goals, the Des Kelly & Tramway ends?

Roughly 700 standing where Jodi is now.
Roughly 1,300 standing on Connaught Street side (mono stand side).
Roughly 3,000 seats in each pitch side stand.

[nr637]

What is the the main reason in the design for turning the pitch 180', could they have created a 10,000 seated capacity stadium from its current pitch surrounding position!

[EalingGreen]

Am open to correction, but aiui, UEFA's North/South pitch alignment policy is a preference, not a mandate. And it's to avoid the sun being in the eyes of spectators in the early-mid afternoon. But I'm pretty sure no stadium has ever been refused its due validation solely because the pitch is facing the "wrong" way.

[Elfman]

I'm surprised this question is still being asked as I thought I'd seen the answer on these forums before. Possibly it was somewhere else, so I'm open to correction on this;

I understood the reason for the pitch rotation was because modern Health & Safety rules determined that the existing pathways to the Jodi and Connaught St stands were too small to accommodate 3k+ fans. That was also the reason why they can't just upgrade the Jodi and put a new similar sized stand in Connaught Street.

Any Bohs fans in the know able to confirm this? Or Nesta, our resident expert on stadium standards! :)

[Elfman]

That's crazy. The northside of Dublin should have at least one Cat 4 stadium. Especially as it's publicly-owned. Would then work in Europe for not just Bohs, but also Shels, Drogheda, Dundalk.

It does!! It's called Croke Park! ;)

[Elfman]

Do ye still own part of the Tramway end?
This is a great question and might offer another explanation for the rotation.

I looked into this myself and the old owner of the Phibs Shopping Centre won a court case on the ownership, then had it repossessed by NAMA. Last I heard NAMA sold the Shopping centre to Twinlite, a property company. i couldn't determine if that included the Tramway End though (another slap in the face to the tax payer if it did but this would be consistent with past behaviour!).

[EatYerGreens]

Do German sides not have safe standing that converts into seating for Euro games?

And Celtic too I think?

Yes. And UEFA sanctioned them for a 'test' a few years ago, and all seemed to go well from their POV.

[Nesta99]

I'm surprised this question is still being asked as I thought I'd seen the answer on these forums before. Possibly it was somewhere else, so I'm open to correction on this;

I understood the reason for the pitch rotation was because modern Health & Safety rules determined that the existing pathways to the Jodi and Connaught St stands were too small to accommodate 3k+ fans. That was also the reason why they can't just upgrade the Jodi and put a new similar sized stand in Connaught Street.

Any Bohs fans in the know able to confirm this? Or Nesta, our resident expert on stadium standards! :)

Why stuff cant or isnt done was my forté, pishing on gah club plans was a personal hobby. Ive not actually seen the Dalymount plans bar visual renditions. Just from knowing the area i dont see unworkable contingencies keeping Dalymount footprint as it is with modifications that could keep DFB et al happy. Turning the pitch only makes sense in trying to minimise the footprint. Lookig at who Bohs have sold tracts of land to might be interesting. The shopping centre end has a lot of space, sold 10 times to 5 differnt people complicates thiings a bit...

[nr637]

I hope the Bohs aren't pricing themselves out of a stadium!

Look at what Shels are doing at Tolka, there are adding improvements upgrading where necessary for regulation. I thin k Bohs has cleaned up well and any future upgrades will be done as needed.

Why Bohs can't just upgrade the Jodi, add a new similar stand opposite, new covered terracing on the Des Kelly end and something similar on the tramway end. Keep Dalymount looking like a smaller football ground.

[ontheotherhand]

Why stuff cant or isnt done was my forté, pishing on gah club plans was a personal hobby. Ive not actually seen the Dalymount plans bar visual renditions. Just from knowing the area i dont see unworkable contingencies keeping Dalymount footprint as it is with modifications that could keep DFB et al happy. Turning the pitch only makes sense in trying to minimise the footprint. Lookig at who Bohs have sold tracts of land to might be interesting. The shopping centre end has a lot of space, sold 10 times to 5 differnt people complicates thiings a bit...

With all the public funding bohs are getting here, it's a real surprise the GAA haven't waded in to stake a claim on Dalymount. Still time for it hopefully.

[Shinkicker]

I hope the Bohs aren't pricing themselves out of a stadium!

Look at what Shels are doing at Tolka, there are adding improvements upgrading where necessary for regulation. I thin k Bohs has cleaned up well and any future upgrades will be done as needed.

Why Bohs can't just upgrade the Jodi, add a new similar stand opposite, new covered terracing on the Des Kelly end and something similar on the tramway end. Keep Dalymount looking like a smaller football ground.
I totally agree with you on this. It could be completed in stages, without the need for Bohs to vacate the ground, for far less than 64 million euros and would provide a circa 10,000 capacity stadium. It may not be CAT 4, but so what the

[Shinkicker]

I totally agree with you on this. It could be completed in stages, without the need for Bohs to vacate the ground, for far less than 64 million euros and would provide a circa 10,000 capacity stadium. It may not be CAT 4, but so what the

But so what the new stadium won't be CAT 4 either

[ontheotherhand]

I totally agree with you on this. It could be completed in stages, without the need for Bohs to vacate the ground, for far less than 64 million euros and would provide a circa 10,000 capacity stadium. It may not be CAT 4, but so what the

It's probably buried in this thread but.....why isn't that the plan? Dalymount is a special place. For bohs, for Ireland, for Rovers....I'm going to miss it tbh. The Jodi doesn't even look to be in that bad a shape.

[EalingGreen]

Yes. And UEFA sanctioned them for a 'test' a few years ago, and all seemed to go well from their POV.Not just Germany, but the trial also covered France and England. And following a satisfactory trial, SS has now been permitted in those countries since 2022/23:
https://thefsa.org.uk/news/uefa-approves-safe-standing-use-at-european-games/

I don't know whether it has been extended elsewhere (suspect it has - Scotland perhaps?), but it's likely that UEFA need to be persuaded that SS is properly regulated by the relevant authorities in those countries.

[Nesta99]

The first SS trialled in Germany wasnt good at all!

[EatYerGreens]

There first SS trialled in Germany wasnt good at all!

Not very safe either. Though they put on some impressive displays :D

Maybe that's where the idea of 'ultras' wearing black originated from.

[nigel-harps1954]

https://finnharps.ie/stadium-planning-update-next-phase-of-delivery/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOASlNjbGNrA4BKTWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNy dGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHlmGtS8sCJCaFiutaz 4iLvI7-VMZNnb40YvF7TuYoVCIO12L2xG7fTUbPj6n_aem_4M1o-NcFg_JvT6FOcN4GNQ

The latest update from Finn Park 2, for Nesta to pick at! ;)

[2 Year Contract]

https://finnharps.ie/stadium-planning-update-next-phase-of-delivery/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOASlNjbGNrA4BKTWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNy dGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHlmGtS8sCJCaFiutaz 4iLvI7-VMZNnb40YvF7TuYoVCIO12L2xG7fTUbPj6n_aem_4M1o-NcFg_JvT6FOcN4GNQ

The latest update from Finn Park 2, for Nesta to pick at! ;)

All sounds very positive, genuinely hoping everything remains that way and Harps get promoted so we can all (well maybe not everyone, just Pats fans actually ;)) have some enjoyable away trips up to what will hopefully be a great stadium

[Shinkicker]

https://finnharps.ie/stadium-planning-update-next-phase-of-delivery/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOASlNjbGNrA4BKTWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNy dGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHlmGtS8sCJCaFiutaz 4iLvI7-VMZNnb40YvF7TuYoVCIO12L2xG7fTUbPj6n_aem_4M1o-NcFg_JvT6FOcN4GNQ

The latest update from Finn Park 2, for Nesta to pick at! ;)
Nice to see the plans progressing. The key word in the description is Modular. They can get it built and expand it if required.

[Nesta99]

https://finnharps.ie/stadium-planning-update-next-phase-of-delivery/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOASlNjbGNrA4BKTWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNy dGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHlmGtS8sCJCaFiutaz 4iLvI7-VMZNnb40YvF7TuYoVCIO12L2xG7fTUbPj6n_aem_4M1o-NcFg_JvT6FOcN4GNQ

The latest update from Finn Park 2, for Nesta to pick at! ;)

There's nothin to pick apart now, but why has it taken 20 something years to meet requirements*. They change and mods are needed but not a full redraw. Id hope that actually passing planning is a formality now, followed by funding and then commencement. The issues that hae cause previous delays have to have been a fudged effort. Theres a book in it for someone Mr A.

*Natura Impact, road layout, active travel, lighting, emergency vehicle access, storm drainage, and flood mitigation required multiple specialist reports from accredited consultants. All reports have now been submitted and confirm that the new design is compliant with current planning, environmental, and safety regulations.

[Roones26]

There's nothin to pick apart now, but why has it taken 20 something years to meet requirements*. They change and mods are needed but not a full redraw. Id hope that actually passing planning is a formality now, followed by funding and then commencement. The issues that hae cause previous delays have to have been a fudged effort. Theres a book in it for someone Mr A.

*Natura Impact, road layout, active travel, lighting, emergency vehicle access, storm drainage, and flood mitigation required multiple specialist reports from accredited consultants. All reports have now been submitted and confirm that the new design is compliant with current planning, environmental, and safety regulations.

More the running out of matching funds had more to do with it

[Guitd]

Galway Uniteds planning application refused for a training Center in Athenry
Is annoying with clubs trying to build facilities to improve clubs training options been constantly caught up in red tape in this country

[Nesta99]

More the running out of matching funds had more to do with it

So no grants were drawn down with the 10% contribution for planning and project, project wasnt started, stopped, more funding applied for and granted for updated plans which are now up to scratch hopefully, and now more grant money to be applied for which may or may not be enough to complete the entire project because grants need matching to do anything, but if it is the entire project even at €10m means Harps need €1m minimum to get going again - you might get a floodlight pole for the €10m these days and on we go again, new grants for new plans in 20 years....

No seriously, Nigel is right I have been the one to question this whole saga the most, cause it makes little sense from what ilittle nfo wasnt redacted. At one stage the funding was said to have been secured and ringfenced, a phased development was mooted too and started so there was more to it than just funding and certainly not matching funding - a whole complex maybe but not for Finn Pairc Nua itself. The simplest explination is that old Finn Park dropped in value and a builder became awkward. I did work many years ago with sport grant applications and evaluations and it has never added up. I suspect that for all the reading between the lines that there are things over the years that cant really be in the open for whatever reason. I questioed the Tallaght situation plenty too at the time but it was pretty obvious what had gone wrong there and then the hassle in trying to find solutions without GAA messing or someone trying to make a quick € with gyms instead of stands bs...was housing ever a part of a plan to get Tallaght going again back in the day? I dont think so but for years any stadium proposal seemed to have about 500000 houses attached (funnily enough with hindsight maybe that was the way to go).

I now see that what Harps are doing makes sense, even eperating club and stadium ownership and models. There is a completeness to the preliminary work that would get through the capital grant process with no hint of a wink and a nod between a builder doing a land swap AND get the grant money to do the new build, maybe tax clearance certs werent supplied, maybe there were issues with land ownership/transfer. It feels right now and therefore should recieve whatever capital grant is allocated in full. Im not saying that will complete the project but it should allow Harps to move in to a new ground that can be further developed.

Take Sligo as a contrast, irrespective of what they have already delivered at the Showgrounds, the submitted a proposal which was excellent, made sense and is being backed significantly with possibly the biggest single grant to LoI, it too wont cover all but its a major statement of what is possible if done properly (I trust Sligo to deliver now that Ive backed them).

Its a disgrace that Dundalk have not being applying for grants for spectator facilities but a seriously complex development plan is needed, more technical than Harps or Sligo, I have a good idea of the potential problems and liklihood of failure if its a re/development of Oriel - maybe LouthCoCos new CEO will be less over my dead body GAA kind so what exists could be 'modernised'. It is frustrating that there is a greenfield site the other side of the YDC that is quite adequate for from scratch job. Rule of thumb was €1m per 1000 seats, a new Oriel wouldnt be far off what Dalymount would cost between land aquisition, services including roads. Louth GAA stadium with a 4k stand and terracing was priced at €25m in 2020 and the figures grow every day no building happens. CHI were over a barrell due to inflation on a €1bil project, doubled now and its not all project management inefficiencies!! Dalymount will be trimmed imo, Jodi MkII and covvered terracing with maybe a refurb of the old Jodi Stand underneath? Unless it really is a total area regeneration but the fat will still be trimmed.

Anyway I will lay off the worn old moaning about issues with stadium development, it all a rehash and is now stating the obvious. Harps are now on the right track after what is mammth work, Ill be kind by saying not fully thought through initially, but will call out the issues no more cause now its a good bet from project perspective and I hope there will be the financial buy in. Same for Sligo and others. Id like Dundalk to not totally be left behind and at least invest fully in a plan with local and national government asnd FAI to make incremental improvements possible. Hey maybe the council will give us the land off the Ardee Road as they gave Drogheda land - they can have Oriel in Lieu...

[nr637]

Love the quote 'maybe LouthCoCos new CEO will be less over my dead body GAA kind', seems to be a problem for most clubs in other areas!

Well said! :)

[Longfordian]

Galway Uniteds planning application refused for a training Center in Athenry
Is annoying with clubs trying to build facilities to improve clubs training options been constantly caught up in red tape in this country

Ground too prone to flooding? It's very low lying apparently.

[nr637]

https://finnharps.ie/stadium-planning-update-next-phase-of-delivery/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOASlNjbGNrA4BKTWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNy dGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHlmGtS8sCJCaFiutaz 4iLvI7-VMZNnb40YvF7TuYoVCIO12L2xG7fTUbPj6n_aem_4M1o-NcFg_JvT6FOcN4GNQ

The latest update from Finn Park 2, for Nesta to pick at! ;)




Phase 1 delivers a fully operational, UEFA Category 2 compliant stadium
Phase 2 will enhance facilities and bring the overall stadium with multi-functional spaces to bring the stadium to a UEFA Category 3 compliant stadium.





Await formal planning decision
Finalise detailed costings and design files
Continue preparatory finance work with state and lending partners
Begin procurement and pre-construction works during Q1 2026



If pre-construction work was to begin in the Q1 2026 what does that actually mean on the ground?

Phase 1 delivers a fully operational, UEFA Category 2 compliant stadium, does that mean that some initial work will be done and the ground would be open to use?
Or does Phase 1, mean another stadium with a pitch and one stand constructed with the other sides to follow in time.............never!

If the work does hopefully start in the Q1 2026, what is the program of works going to look like, The construction of both main stands, followed by both end areas and then the laying of the pitch!

Any ideas of the format for the construction work would be great, so that the fans could see where the stadium is envisaged to be as the dates go by.

Does a program of the actual work get submitted at this time as well or is that done at a later date when the named builders are chosen and all finance is guaranteed?

:confused:

[Roones26]

So no grants were drawn down with the 10% contribution for planning and project, project wasnt started, stopped, more funding applied for and granted for updated plans which are now up to scratch hopefully, and now more grant money to be applied for which may or may not be enough to complete the entire project because grants need matching to do anything, but if it is the entire project even at €10m means Harps need €1m minimum to get going again - you might get a floodlight pole for the €10m these days and on we go again, new grants for new plans in 20 years....

No seriously, Nigel is right I have been the one to question this whole saga the most, cause it makes little sense from what ilittle nfo wasnt redacted. At one stage the funding was said to have been secured and ringfenced, a phased development was mooted too and started so there was more to it than just funding and certainly not matching funding - a whole complex maybe but not for Finn Pairc Nua itself. The simplest explination is that old Finn Park dropped in value and a builder became awkward. I did work many years ago with sport grant applications and evaluations and it has never added up. I suspect that for all the reading between the lines that there are things over the years that cant really be in the open for whatever reason. I questioed the Tallaght situation plenty too at the time but it was pretty obvious what had gone wrong there and then the hassle in trying to find solutions without GAA messing or someone trying to make a quick € with gyms instead of stands bs...was housing ever a part of a plan to get Tallaght going again back in the day? I dont think so but for years any stadium proposal seemed to have about 500000 houses attached (funnily enough with hindsight maybe that was the way to go).

I now see that what Harps are doing makes sense, even eperating club and stadium ownership and models. There is a completeness to the preliminary work that would get through the capital grant process with no hint of a wink and a nod between a builder doing a land swap AND get the grant money to do the new build, maybe tax clearance certs werent supplied, maybe there were issues with land ownership/transfer. It feels right now and therefore should recieve whatever capital grant is allocated in full. Im not saying that will complete the project but it should allow Harps to move in to a new ground that can be further developed.

Take Sligo as a contrast, irrespective of what they have already delivered at the Showgrounds, the submitted a proposal which was excellent, made sense and is being backed significantly with possibly the biggest single grant to LoI, it too wont cover all but its a major statement of what is possible if done properly (I trust Sligo to deliver now that Ive backed them).

Its a disgrace that Dundalk have not being applying for grants for spectator facilities but a seriously complex development plan is needed, more technical than Harps or Sligo, I have a good idea of the potential problems and liklihood of failure if its a re/development of Oriel - maybe LouthCoCos new CEO will be less over my dead body GAA kind so what exists could be 'modernised'. It is frustrating that there is a greenfield site the other side of the YDC that is quite adequate for from scratch job. Rule of thumb was €1m per 1000 seats, a new Oriel wouldnt be far off what Dalymount would cost between land aquisition, services including roads. Louth GAA stadium with a 4k stand and terracing was priced at €25m in 2020 and the figures grow every day no building happens. CHI were over a barrell due to inflation on a €1bil project, doubled now and its not all project management inefficiencies!! Dalymount will be trimmed imo, Jodi MkII and covvered terracing with maybe a refurb of the old Jodi Stand underneath? Unless it really is a total area regeneration but the fat will still be trimmed.

Anyway I will lay off the worn old moaning about issues with stadium development, it all a rehash and is now stating the obvious. Harps are now on the right track after what is mammth work, Ill be kind by saying not fully thought through initially, but will call out the issues no more cause now its a good bet from project perspective and I hope there will be the financial buy in. Same for Sligo and others. Id like Dundalk to not totally be left behind and at least invest fully in a plan with local and national government asnd FAI to make incremental improvements possible. Hey maybe the council will give us the land off the Ardee Road as they gave Drogheda land - they can have Oriel in Lieu...

I dunno but I do know theres needs to be some acknowledgement that the Harps situation has an awful lot to do with it being an overly complex Celtic Tiger based structure that had maybe in retrospect a less than 5% chance of success

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

https://www.sligorovers.com/stadium-development-progress-update-november-2025/

[2 Year Contract]

https://www.sligorovers.com/stadium-development-progress-update-november-2025/

Good stuff, that remaining 750k to be raised will be pocket change from Elding’s 1.5m move to Sturm Graz sure

[joey B]

https://www.sligorovers.com/stadium-development-progress-update-november-2025/

Sounds great! Where will you play for them few months in 2028? Is there any suitable alternative in the town ?

[brendy_éire]

Sounds great! Where will you play for them few months in 2028? Is there any suitable alternative in the town ?

Markievicz Park?
Three months is quite a long time. You can switch some home matches to aways, but probably not all. Finn Park next most realistic backup?

[oriel]

Seemingly all systems go now for Dundalk to install new pitch (similar to one Bray have I hear) and upgrade to lights also. Both are conditions of PD licence application.

Would think bills paid are also, and kit supplier have been engaged with, but good to see movement on the two key items, orders meant to be going in this week, installation not sure when but would imagine would have to start before end of year.

[2 Year Contract]

Markievicz Park?
Three months is quite a long time. You can switch some home matches to aways, but probably not all. Finn Park next most realistic backup?

Had a look there, google maps says Sligo to Finn Park is 1hr 11 mins and Sligo to Bishopsgate Longford is 1hr 14 mins so I’d imagine either of those would be the two options if the GAA stadium isn’t a runner

[joey B]

You’d imagine Markievicz Park would hopefully be the venue they get to use,not sure what the relationship is like between Rovers and Sligo GAA ….

[Buckett]

Milebush in Castlebar could be an option, also 1hr 14.

[D24Saint]

https://www.sligorovers.com/stadium-development-progress-update-november-2025/

Fantastic plans. The timeline looks optimistic but hopefully the project can get finished near enough to the scheduled time.

[redarmyfaction]

You’d imagine Markievicz Park would hopefully be the venue they get to use,not sure what the relationship is like between Rovers and Sligo GAA ….

We let them play in the Showgrounds when they were doing up their stadium in the 1950's and they threw it back in our faces when they were the only county in the 26 to vote to retain the ban when the rest of the general synod of the GAA voted to remove it a few years later, not sure if the intervening 60 odd years has healed things.

[joey B]

We let them play in the Showgrounds when they were doing up their stadium in the 1950's and they threw it back in our faces when they were the only county in the 26 to vote to retain the ban when the rest of the general synod of the GAA voted to remove it a few years later, not sure if the intervening 60 odd years has healed things.

I see,not looking promising then ….

[Nesta99]

If anyone wonders why govt grants can sometimes dry up on projects over the years, any sport or community project, this one line from the Sligo press release says it all authorised to proceed to tender,, (after all the proper prep also mentioned is done), next step is compliance fully or funding goes on hold. We want things done right, dont we? We are still a bit in between or adjusting from the cowboy madness of the 2000s to oversight and regulation. Its not sport related but I expect a return to the madness in coming years on housing regulation in as quick as possible fix, but right now is when sports development could be successfully tied to housing projects even if prior infrastructure doesnt exist. Its happening anyway, green spaces no need, high density, little social planning for chaildcare, policing, schools, medical facilities. So get in there St Pats, Drogheda et al - make hay cause it wont be so sunny in the next decade!!

[nr637]

Any chance the Sligo Board & fans could arrange with the FAI and give a course to all the other LOI clubs about how to run a club efficiently and better still raise funds to develope a stadium! :confused:

[nigel-harps1954]

Any chance the Sligo Board & fans could arrange with the FAI and give a course to all the other LOI clubs about how to run a club efficiently and better still raise funds to develope a stadium! :confused:

Losses of nearly €350k over the past couple of years would suggest otherwise.

[sbgawa]

Any chance the Sligo Board & fans could arrange with the FAI and give a course to all the other LOI clubs about how to run a club efficiently and better still raise funds to develope a stadium! :confused:


The love in for the bitter reds and their fund raising always amazes me.
Rovers members have raised over well 400k in the last year through subs and various activities.