In his report to club delegates at Monday night’s Limerick County Convention in Adare, Secretary Mike O’Riordan of Kilmallock stressed the importance of upgrading the Gaelic Grounds.
“With the Limerick Gaelic Grounds nearly one hundred years old (opened 1928), I think it is ample time to consider what’s next for the Ennis Road Venue,” he explained.
“The Mackey Stand will require replacement in the short term, 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.
“With the floodlights installed over ten years and the high energy costs associated with same, the next small project for the Stadium should be the installation of LED lights. We should also look at the installation of a well to complement our new irrigation system.”
“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 out. This all forms part of our ongoing improvements at the stadium.
In 2022, Limerick’s flagship hurling side based themselves at the venue, often training there as many as three nights a week during the championship.
He also stated the new €1.2m, 800-seater stand at Mick Neville Park will be ready, weather permitting, for the upcoming National Football League.
He also praised all outgoing officers, in particular Chairman John Cregan and Treasurer Liam Burke.
Seamus McNamara, Fr. Casey’s/Abbeyfeale, is the new Limerick Chairman.
