Stadium Updates (All Clubs)

[seand]

Is Celtic Park completely out of the question?

Yes, out of the question. Bigotry is constitutionally enshrined in the rules of the GAA. It's not possible even if the will was there, which is extremely unlikely in Ulster. Is there another country in the world where a perfectly suitable venue half a mile down the road would not even be up for consideration?

(And yes I'm well aware that the majority of grassroots GAA people are decent, sports loving people but the rules of the GAA explicitly forbid all clubs and count boards accomodating foreign games.)

[Dodge]

so you meant yes there when you said no?

[seand]

so you meant yes there when you said no?

I've no idea what you're talking about

*casually edits previously post*

[Mr A]

Piece in the Sun on Derry/ Celtic Park: http://www.thesun.ie/irishsol/homepage/sport/6854639/Derry-City-look-to-the-GAA-for-help-finding-new-home.html

[brendy_éire]

just checked Pats there....It would mean that between 23 April and 10 May Pats would have 4 away games in a row (Bray, Cork, Derry and Galway). They've every right to object to that

Going on what has happened in other leagues, if one or two of the clubs objected, their match could always been moved to mid-week earlier in the season. Not ideal, but an option.
I still don't think the clubs have any say in the fixtures anyway. As we've seen before, the FAI reschedules matches regardless of what clubs involved think.


Piece in the Sun on Derry/ Celtic Park: http://www.thesun.ie/irishsol/homepage/sport/6854639/Derry-City-look-to-the-GAA-for-help-finding-new-home.html

No quotes there. I'd be amazed if anything comes from it.

[seand]

As we've seen before, the FAI reschedules matches regardless of what clubs involved think.


It'd be a bit different though if they were going to make wholesale changes to the fixture list to suit one club

[outspoken]

Yes, out of the question. Bigotry is constitutionally enshrined in the rules of the GAA. It's not possible even if the will was there, which is extremely unlikely in Ulster. Is there another country in the world where a perfectly suitable venue half a mile down the road would not even be up for consideration?

(And yes I'm well aware that the majority of grassroots GAA people are decent, sports loving people but the rules of the GAA explicitly forbid all clubs and count boards accomodating foreign games.)

Well said

[brendy_éire]

Derry News quoting a club official saying that they will ask teh Derry board about using Celtic Park. It'll need to go before Congress still, which is at the end of next month.
The preferred option is to switch the fixtures, still waiting to hear back from the FAI about that. Kenny Shiels says he'd be happy enough to play 14 away matches in a row, though it does sound like a mad idea.

[Dodge]

Derry News quoting a club official saying that they will ask teh Derry board about using Celtic Park. It'll need to go before Congress still, which is at the end of next month.
The preferred option is to switch the fixtures, still waiting to hear back from the FAI about that. Kenny Shiels says he'd be happy enough to play 14 away matches in a row, though it does sound like a mad idea.

Wouldn't believe everything the Derry board say either. They were talking about Finn park before they had even asked Finn Harps

[punkrocket]

So not completely out of the question then.
Glad to hear it as I think it would be the sensible option.

[northwestexile]

Press Release from the Inishowen Football League regarding Maginn Park, Buncrana.

http://inishowenfl.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1414:press-release&catid=11:newsnotes&Itemid=112

[gufcfan]

Are they allergic to paragraphs or what... Awful hard to read.


The Inishowen Football League met with members of the Derry City Board led by Chairman Philip O’Doherty in Maginn Park last Friday to discuss the possibility of Derry City staging some Airtricity league and FAI cup games at Maginn Park while the re development of the Brandywell is being completed.

Mr O Doherty began the meeting saying that despite intense media speculation Derry City were not in a position to approach the Inishowen League until such time as they had received the programme of works . That programme had been received from Derry & Strabane Councils just last week and at that time Mr O Doherty then approached the Inishowen League to have an exploratory meeting.

At the meeting Mr O’Doherty revealed that Derry City would need to be out of the Brandywell in August/September/ October 2016 to facilitate the completion of the works and that they were looking into the possibility of hosting six Airtricity league games plus possible FAI cup games at an alternative venue. The Airtricity league have asked Derry City to come up with some alternative venues and Maginn Park has emerged as one possible alternative.

League Chairman Laurence McColgan then gave the group a tour of the facility explaining that the ground had hosted an EA Sports cup game between Cockhill Celtic and Sligo Rovers in the recent past. Both sides however did recognise that each had a lot of work to do before it can become a reality.

In Derry Citys case while they would be in a position to supply Medical crew and Ambulance for games they would also be in a position to supply their own stewards ( who are fully trained and accredited by the FAI) but they will have to liaise with the local Garda Superintendent while also seeking approval from the FAI Club Licensing System to stage the games at Maginn Park.

They would however be hopeful that under a temporary arrangement things may not be as stringent as they normally are. While the playing surface and the floodlights themselves present little problems for the Inishowen League there are a host of improvements that would need to be carried out to satisfy even the minimum requirements of the club licensing system.

These would include lighting in the main stand, the erection of emergency lighting at (exits, toilets and in the Stand )the provision of portable toilets, the segregation of visiting supporters, general groundwork improvements and the possibility of having an emergency generator on standby.

The problem is that it will take a substantial amount of money to carry out all the upgrading. One other problem which will have to be considered is the parking facilities and the disruption which this would cause to the local area in the specified timeframe. However it is unlikely that any of the above would prove to be unsurmountable but the avenues of communication between the league and Derry will remain open in the coming weeks.

Ultimately the Airtricity League will have the final say on whether the ground will be passed or not provided that Derry and the Inishowen League can come to an amicable agreement.

[punkrocket]

You should have corrected the spelling of insurmountable while you were at it.

[Nesta99]

All that to say if Derry want Maginn Park they will have to install 'lighting in the main stand, the erection of emergency lighting at (exits, toilets and in the Stand )the provision of portable toilets.....(do) general groundwork improvements and (even) the possibility of (buying) an emergency generator for us!'.

[Titan]

If they played during daylight would that remove the need for the extra lighting?

[Dodge]

If they played during daylight would that remove the need for the extra lighting?

Not in the stand AFAIK

[Mr A]

In would mitigate the possibility of vampire attack though.

[Titan]

You mean it would protect the vampires from hoards of rampaging Derry fans?

[Mr A]

Obviously.

[Jofspring]

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/21919.php#.Vp_RczYopYl

Rugby returning to Markets Field.

Going to be interesting to find out what the implications will be for Limerick FC. As it stands the club maintain the pitch. The costs involved, cutting the grass, lining the pitch etc... If Rugby will be played on the surface then who is responsible to getting it to standard for football.

[MeathDrog]

It should be easier to lobby for further ground improvements if it's being used more though.

[Jofspring]

It should be easier to lobby for further ground improvements if it's being used more though.

You would hope so. I imagine it will be used mainly when Limerick aren't playing. Only a few months will overlap. What id be hoping is that is takes pressure off the club with regards maintence costs of the pitch. I believe the club have already spent the bones of €20,000 on the pitch and have also had two volunteers cutting the grass, lining it and all the other maintence that goes with it it. If Munster take some of that burden then excellent. Time will tell.

[littlebray]

I imagine it will be used mainly when Limerick aren't playing.

Well, Doh!

[White Horse]

I listened to an interview with the Drogheda United Chairman on LMFM.

Apparently, the FAI consider United Park, the Carlisle Grounds, and Oriel Park to be the last three football grounds needing to be upgraded.

Everything else is fine or is in the process of being made fine.

[nigel-harps1954]

I listened to an interview with the Drogheda United Chairman on LMFM.

Apparently, the FAI consider United Park, the Carlisle Grounds, and Oriel Park to be the last three football grounds needing to be upgraded.

Everything else is fine or is in the process of being made fine.


If Cabinteely intend on staying in Stradbrook, it definitely needs some better spectator facilities.

Wexfords Ferrycarraig Park needs upgrade work, but apparently there's work being done there before the start of the season.

The old stand in Sligo could do with a facelift, but obviously the rest of the ground is in grand condition.

Is Dalymount considered 'in the process of being made fine'?

Tolka Park? Shelbourne come under the bracket of Dalymount?

Is Inchicore grand? The away end could probably do with a facelift but it's in no way urgent really in the grand scheme.

[Nesta99]

I'd say its relative Nigel. Even Tallaght and Turners Cross could be further improved, the first 2 more structures to enclose the ground and the latter the small stand facing cameras maybe. Inchicore needs the 'shed' end developed and behind the town goal in the Showgrounds and a roof on the stand opposite, Deacy Park similar enclosing. I wont venture in to 1st Division as it is a bit the same as with Athlone, haven't been to Cobh in years. Reading between the lines Shels are probably included in any potential Dalymount plans at least from an FAI point of view. Most have at least 1 modern stand that the 3 bad boys don't. Having not been at a Cabinteely game either I cant comment. Youths will be a first but as mentioned work is ongoing. I wish Oriel and even United Park just needed a facelift as opposed to being flattened and rebuilt, ok maybe not United Park as Drogheda will most likely have to move. There isnt a huge difference between Oriel and Markets Field really bar away section and work being up to current health and safety stuff so hopefully work will be ongoing there. Haven't been to Longford in a while either but i'd imagine that the seating is getting well bleached and battered by the elements and could do with more cover but crowds dictate that need also. We haven't had the capital development that the Irish League has had but there has certainly been progress over the last 10 years.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd say its relative Nigel. Even Tallaght and Turners Cross could be further improved, the first 2 more structures to enclose the ground and the latter the small stand facing cameras maybe. Inchicore needs the 'shed' end developed and behind the town goal in the Showgrounds and a roof on the stand opposite, Deacy Park similar enclosing. I wont venture in to 1st Division as it is a bit the same as with Athlone, haven't been to Cobh in years. Reading between the lines Shels are probably included in any potential Dalymount plans at least from an FAI point of view. Most have at least 1 modern stand that the 3 bad boys don't. Having not been at a Cabinteely game either I cant comment. Youths will be a first but as mentioned work is ongoing. I wish Oriel and even United Park just needed a facelift as opposed to being flattened and rebuilt, ok maybe not United Park as Drogheda will most likely have to move. There isnt a huge difference between Oriel and Markets Field really bar away section and work being up to current health and safety stuff so hopefully work will be ongoing there. Haven't been to Longford in a while either but i'd imagine that the seating is getting well bleached and battered by the elements and could do with more cover but crowds dictate that need also. We haven't had the capital development that the Irish League has had but there has certainly been progress over the last 10 years.
Every stadium could do with improvement, but I'd say most are fit for purpose. Tallaght is the only modern stadium in the league, and Rovers can't take much credit for that as the previous administration couldn't manage a balance sheet let alone a stadium, but SDCC have done a great job. Dalymount will be the second if DCC fulfill their promises. Overall, the league is miles ahead of where it was a few years ago. Hopefully if clubs continue to manage themselves well that improvement will continue.

[Paddyfield]

Every stadium could do with improvement, but I'd say most are fit for purpose. Tallaght is the only modern stadium in the league, and Rovers can't take much credit for that as the previous administration couldn't manage a balance sheet let alone a stadium, but SDCC have done a great job. Dalymount will be the second if DCC fulfill their promises. Overall, the league is miles ahead of where it was a few years ago. Hopefully if clubs continue to manage themselves well that improvement will continue.
Deacy Park and Turner's Cross should be in the same sentence as that.

[nigel-harps1954]

Deacy Park and Turner's Cross should be in the same sentence as that.

The Comer stand, yes. The old stand, no. While it's still a great stand, it's nowhere near the standard of Tallaght. It's definitely the most modern ground in the league, but it does badly need the two ends filled in, even something similar to that of Deacy Park with the wall at the car-park end.

[outspoken]

Away end toilets are a disgrace in Turners

[vinnie]

I'd love to see a small terrace behind one of the Goals in Tallafornia, preferably the Square end, but cant see it happening

[nigel-harps1954]

I'd love to see a small terrace behind one of the Goals in Tallafornia, preferably the Square end, but cant see it happening

Isn't the new stand going on the square end in Tallaght?

[White Horse]

I'd love to see a small terrace behind one of the Goals in Tallafornia, preferably the Square end, but cant see it happening

Tallaght would be great if the fans were closer to the pitch.

Perhaps it's not as severe for home fans, but away fans are kept very far back from the pitch.

The only thing that Tallaght lacks is atmosphere.

[Mark]

If Cabinteely intend on staying in Stradbrook, it definitely needs some better spectator facilities.

Wexfords Ferrycarraig Park needs upgrade work, but apparently there's work being done there before the start of the season.

The old stand in Sligo could do with a facelift, but obviously the rest of the ground is in grand condition.

Is Dalymount considered 'in the process of being made fine'?

Tolka Park? Shelbourne come under the bracket of Dalymount?

Is Inchicore grand? The away end could probably do with a facelift but it's in no way urgent really in the grand scheme.

I don't think Shels, Bohs or the council know what Shels are planning to do! but if Bohs have to get out of Dalymount whilst it is being refurbished then Tolka is the obvious short term solution. The only issues with Inchicore that I've heard from home fans is the lack of a roof on the home, Patron's, stand. The roof on the away shed end only runs halfway over, which is an issue on wet nights. Only ever full when Rovers or Bohs play there. Last time I enquired about funding I was told by Pat's that the FAI told them there wasn't any money available to them but that Garret Kelleher was still looking for funding.

[White Horse]

The pitch at Oriel Park has passed the UEFA Level 2 test again this year.

[gufcfan]

The pitch at Oriel Park has passed the UEFA Level 2 test again this year.

What does level 2 mean? Foundation level?

[White Horse]

What does level 2 mean? Foundation level?

Level 2 means we can host a game in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

There was some doubt as the pitch was due to be replaced but this was postponed as the club seeks resolution of the Oriel Park lease with the previous owner.

[dundalkfc10]

The pitch at Oriel Park has passed the UEFA Level 2 test again this year.

No it hasn't. The club have confirmed the test took place on Tuesday and be a while before they get the results

[White Horse]

No it hasn't. The club have confirmed the test took place on Tuesday and be a while before they get the results

The club are waiting on official notification.

[vinnie]

Isn't the new stand going on the square end in Tallaght?

It is Nigel, but I just have a old fondness for Behind the Goal terraces

[ForzaHoop]

Sure make the area behind goal and standing area ! ! !

[trevy]

The footballgroundsguide website is looking for Wexford and Finn Harps fans to give some info and photos on their grounds for the new season if anyone can help. It's a great website with information on all stadiums from different levels all over Britain and Ireland.

[nigel-harps1954]

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/national-league/dundalk-may-lose-access-to-oriel-park-for-home-games-1.2521565

A last ditch attempt from Matthews to get himself a few quid?

[brendy_éire]

More Oriel Park threats in today's IT. I presume it'll never come to that though.
Dundalk may lose access to Oriel Park (http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/national-league/dundalk-may-lose-access-to-oriel-park-for-home-games-1.2521565)

[White Horse]

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/national-league/dundalk-may-lose-access-to-oriel-park-for-home-games-1.2521565

A last ditch attempt from Matthews to get himself a few quid?

A desperate last throw of the dice by Matthews.

However, there is no point in burying heads in the sand, this needs resolving.

Louth Council are owed planning levies. Between DFC, LCC, and Matthews, these need to be settled.

[PartySaint]

Back to back league winners, FAI Cup winners and now they don't have to play in Oriel Park, everything's coming up Dundalk these days..

[ThePrisoner]

Looks like Mr. Matthews is holding all the good cards in this game. If he's holding the lease and is honouring his end of the lease agreement with the owner of OP, then he can sit back and wait for someone to pay up. The clock is running and it's currently in his favour.

Now the rights and wrongs of the situation is another debate. Just shows the problems that can arise when a club structure and ground usage is controlled by individuals, irrespective of their original intentions. It always has the potential to end in tears.

The ownership model of the Showgrounds is the only way to go.

Also, there's another PD club with major ground problems bubbling away just under the surface.

[Nesta99]

Looks like Mr. Matthews is holding all the good cards in this game. If he's holding the lease and is honouring his end of the lease agreement with the owner of OP, then he can sit back and wait for someone to pay up. The clock is running and it's currently in his favour.


It will be swings and roundabouts for GM most likely. If Dundalk end up having to pay it wont be too long in his pocket. When the YDC was being built instead of it being entirely on Hiney Park, owned by GM as planned it was partly built on Oriel Park land owned by Des Casey without his permission and not as planning permission required. DC isnt at all pleased and himself and Gerry wouldn't be what you'd call friends. There would be little change left after Des Casey is paid for the land he lost and the cost of applying for planning retention to the Council, the legal bill associated and/or GM is told to pull it down. The sports capital grant of 250k would have to be repaid in all likelihood as a result also. There is a bit of leverage for the club yet and all before a possible expensive legal trail through the courts. We shall see but going to the press to tell them of a letter to the FAI? Bit of a last throw of the dice I think.

[dundalkfc10]

Looks like Mr. Matthews is holding all the good cards in this game. If he's holding the lease and is honouring his end of the lease agreement with the owner of OP, then he can sit back and wait for someone to pay up. The clock is running and it's currently in his favour.

Now the rights and wrongs of the situation is another debate. Just shows the problems that can arise when a club structure and ground usage is controlled by individuals, irrespective of their original intentions. It always has the potential to end in tears.

The ownership model of the Showgrounds is the only way to go.

Also, there's another PD club with major ground problems bubbling away just under the surface.

He is just trying to get as much money as he can.

Throw in the issue that he built the YDC partially on land without permission, so i doubt he will want to be going to court!

[Nesta99]

Back to back league winners, FAI Cup winners and now they don't have to play in Oriel Park, everything's coming up Dundalk these days..

If we ever end up in a new ground we will keep one area uncovered, derelict, and toiletless just for you smart ar*e :p