Derry groundsman claims award

Was the winning Cheque for 5000?
Derry City's Tommy Shiels was named as eircom League groundsman of the year after a a three-way initiative between the Football Association of Ireland, the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) and National Agrochemical Distributors Ltd. (NAD).

The three bodies combined ran a course for League of Ireland groundsmen in November and more initiatives are planned.

eircom League Director Fran Gavin congratulated Tommy Shiels on his award and welcomed the decision to honour groundsmen while Derry City FC chairman Hugh McDaid paid tribute at the award's presentation today in Dublin.

Gavin said: "Many aspects of the league have improved over the last few years and among them would be the pitches. Top class athletes need top class pitches and it gives me great pleasure to work with the Institute of Groundsmanship and National Agrochemical Distributors to honour the people who work tirelessly to make that happen".

'Not too fussed on the website but, gosh, the pitch!'

Fair play despite some heavy obstacles such as weather and the slope, Brandywell's pitch is often in great nick.

Well done DCFC groundsman ! As long as that is not the only trophy the Candystripes win this year of course ... ;)