Tallaght, Turner's Cross & Showgrounds nominated for playing surface of the year

**adamd164** · 12/10/2011, 8:18 PM

Announced on the club website today.

Tallaght Stadium, Turner’s Cross and Sligo Showgrounds shortlisted for Airtricity League Pitch of the Year

Tallaght Stadium, Turner’s Cross and the Showgrounds in Sligo have been shortlisted for the Airtricity League Pitch of the Year award 2011, it was announced today. The pitches at the three venues have been nominated for the award following consultation with referees and players.

The Irish Institute of Sports Surfaces (IISS) will visit the three venues over the coming week before awarding the Airtricity League Pitch of the Year award to the surface deemed to be the highest quality. The Pitch of the Year Award, which is organised by the FAI, IISS and specialist sports turf fertiliser company Whites Amenity, will be presented to the winner at the FAI Ford Cup final at Aviva Stadium on November 6th.

Airtricity League referees and players (through the PFAI) were asked to nominate the pitches they felt achieved the highest standards. Tallaght Stadium, home to Shamrock Rovers, Turner’s Cross, home to Cork City, and the Showgrounds, home to Sligo Rovers received the highest number of votes.

IISS Managing Director Donal Kearney said: “The Airtricity League Pitch of the Year Award has been created to highlight the hard work of ground staff, whose dedication and endeavours has often gone unnoticed. We hope that this award provides due recognition and will encourage others to continue to improve the standards of the playing surface. Our thanks to Whites Amenity for their support for this award.”

**outspoken** · 12/10/2011, 9:21 PM

Turners would be my pick

**sheao** · 12/10/2011, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by outspoken

Turners would be my pick

Credit to the groundsmen who keep the pitch in such great condition
Probably the best condition i ever seen it in before the League Cup final .

**pineapple stu** · 13/10/2011, 8:18 AM

Originally Posted by outspoken

Turners would be my pick

Ye not having played at Tallaght or the Showgrounds this season.

**A face** · 13/10/2011, 1:09 PM

For what its worth, Shams have played in Turners Cross this year.

I have to say that the Cross was sublime all year, not once was there a game where it wasn't top notch. Not even a little divet to be seen at any stage. And i definitely think its a catalyst for good football to be played on the deck.

**El-Pietro** · 13/10/2011, 1:19 PM

Originally Posted by A face

For what its worth, Shams have played in Turners Cross this year.

I have to say that the Cross was sublime all year, not once was there a game where it wasn't top notch. Not even a little divet to be seen at any stage. And i definitely think its a catalyst for good football to be played on the deck.

no they haven't. They played at Musgrave Park.

From the Premier Division, Bohs (friendly) St. Pats (League Cup and FAI Cup Quarterfinals) and Derry (League Cup Final) have all played at Turners Cross this year

**razor** · 13/10/2011, 1:19 PM

Originally Posted by A face

For what its worth, Shams have played in Turners Cross this year.

The pre season friendly was in Muzzers.

**A face** · 13/10/2011, 1:36 PM

Originally Posted by razor

The pre season friendly was in Muzzers.

Feic, i remember that now

**Dodge** · 13/10/2011, 1:39 PM

Either way, what did it matter as a Longford fan was giving his opinion...

All 3 are fine. I'd give a nod too to the the staff in Belfield who turned a horrendous pitch around and it looked perfect a couple of weeks ago when Pats where there.

To be fair, I think generally the standard in the premier divisin is quite high

**pineapple stu** · 13/10/2011, 1:49 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

All 3 are fine. I'd give a nod too to the the staff in Belfield who turned a horrendous pitch around and it looked perfect a couple of weeks ago when Pats where there.

Happens every season. Stupid egg-chasing...

**Dunny** · 13/10/2011, 1:50 PM

Pfft, ours doesnt even need cutting.

**dfx-** · 13/10/2011, 2:05 PM

Originally Posted by Dunny

Pfft, ours doesnt even need cutting.

The mudbath that was Bray v Monaghan in the playoff second leg....was better than Oriel's pitch...

Tallaght has improved beyond comparison, even the surrounding off-pitch areas than initially. Belfield is probably the second best I've seen.

**Dunny** · 13/10/2011, 2:08 PM

Originally Posted by dfx-

The mudbath that was Bray v Monaghan in the playoff second leg....was better than Oriel's pitch...

Tallaght has improved beyond comparison, even the surrounding off-pitch areas than initially. Belfield is probably the second best I've seen.

What is this mud you speak of?

Tallaght pitch is so good your supporters always want on it after matches.

**nigel-harps1954** · 13/10/2011, 2:25 PM

Screw the lot of ye, people enjoy a good mudbath on the field, and there is no better mudbath out there than Finn Park at the minute.

**El-Pietro** · 13/10/2011, 2:45 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Either way, what did it matter as a Longford fan was giving his opinion...

All 3 are fine. I'd give a nod too to the the staff in Belfield who turned a horrendous pitch around and it looked perfect a couple of weeks ago when Pats where there.

To be fair, I think generally the standard in the premier divisin is quite high

did you make it down to Cork this year, can you compare the three and give us your choice?

**dfx-** · 13/10/2011, 2:59 PM

Originally Posted by Dunny

What is this mud you speak of?

Rainwater + clay. Nature knows best..

**Dodge** · 13/10/2011, 3:26 PM

Originally Posted by El-Pietro

did you make it down to Cork this year, can you compare the three and give us your choice?

Made it both times. All 3 are fine. Wouldn't have a problem with any of them winning

I only really notice poor pitches, so I don't think I'm in a position to make that call

**redobit** · 13/10/2011, 3:58 PM

Players voting on this (minus clubs nominated) would be a better indicator of how the pitches have played throughout the season imo. The IISS could visit and a pitch could have been below par that week.