Limerick GAA secretary stresses need for a new development plan for the TUS Gaelic Grounds

LIMERICK GAA secretary Mike O'Riordan has called for a development plan to be formulated for the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

The Limerick GAA Headquarters will celebrate it's centenary in the near future and the County Board secretary insists that a plan "for the future of the grounds" is necessary.

The lands for the current stadium were purchased in 1926 with the first competitive fixtures at the Ennis Road venue in 1928.

"With the Limerick Gaelic Grounds nearly 100 years old, I think it is ample time to consider what’s next for the Ennis Rd venue. The Mackey Stand will require replacement and the Open Stand will also need to be covered in some fashion. A working group needs to be established to bring recommendations for the future of the grounds within a financially viable model," detailed O'Riordan in his report to Annual Convention, which takes place next Monday night.

"As we edge closer to the centenary anniversary of the purchase and development of the Gaelic Grounds on the Ennis Rd site, I really feel minds should focus on the redevelopment of the Mackey Stand. The rule of thumb for any stand/stadium is 50 years and the Mackey Stand will reach that at the end of this decade. There will be a cost with regard to planning and necessary studies to be carried out as part of the process," outlined O'Riordan.

He also confirmed that small parcel of land on the Ennis Rd, which was acquired from Limerick City and County Council, has been transferred to Limerick Gaelic Grounds Ltd.  

"We embarked at the start of the year on upgrading the pitch replacing the meadow grass with rye grass which is more durable. Before this happened, we had an opportunity to install a new irrigation system in the pitch which we did. This can be operated via our wifi system in the stadium. Over the last number of years, the sideline on the Mackey Stand side has come in for some serious punishment. We replaced the sod and soil with stone and aggregate, a shock pad and 3G grass with the technical areas mapped on same. This all-forms part of our ongoing improvements at the stadium," said O'Riordan.

He explained: "As in 2018, Pairc na nGael held the homecoming for the victorious Limerick team in July and the following day the pitch was taken up. A new sprinkler system was installed in the pitch which can be utilised remotely. A harder rye grass was sown and within two weeks we had a carpet of grass. To complement this, we laid 3G Grass on the sideline". 

"In 2023, we are looking at pricing and replacing the lighting system with LED Lights if possible and financially viable. With the floodlights installed over ten years and the high energy costs associated with same, the next small project for the stadium I feel should be the installation of LED Lights. We should also look at the installation of a well to complement our new irrigation system," he said of plans for next season.

He confirmed that "there will also be a review of the naming rights of the stadium in 2023 with TUS as part of the original agreement".

In his detailed report, the secretary also outlined continuing development works in Mick Neville Park and the Kilmallock Rd Campus facility.

"Construction is well underway at Mick Neville Park with the stand now erected and the dressing rooms and gym under construction. The facility should be ready for the National Football League weather permitting. With a change in the Munster Council funding model imminent works next season should consist of replacing the 3G pitch and extending it to maximum size and the floodlights with a new LED lighting system," he said of the Rathkeale facility.

Of the Kilmallock Rd Campus in the city, O'Riordan said: "Currently, we are working closely with Regeneration, Limerick City  and County Council and the LCETB with a view to develop the facility further. In time the Kilmallock Rd Campus, once developed properly, will become the main hub for schools and underage club games in the county".