IN his annual Limerick secretary’s report, Mike O’Riordan (Kilmallock) strongly hinted at the possibility of a revamp for the Gaelic Grounds.
Noting that the venue had “a bumper season” – one which included the staging of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final and the Wolfe Tones concert – he stressed that “we should always strive to do better, and we have to look at the future of the home of Limerick GAA. Redevelopment of our headquarters should happen sooner rather than later.”
A lot of remedial work at the Ennis Road grounds was carried out in preparation for the Munster Senior Hurling Final, added O’Riordan.
Two concerts are planned for the stadium next summer.
He confirmed that a redeveloped Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale – with its 700 seat stand – will be open in the New Year.
“We have applied for funding through the Sports Capital scheme to develop for the next phase of Mick Neville Park works that will include extension and replacement of the 3G pitch. We are also looking to replace the old floodlight system with a new LED floodlight system. Hopefully all to be completed in the autumn 2024,” he said.
Limerick will play their home National Football League fixtures at the venue, commencing with a visit from Antrim in late January.
The Kilmallock Road Campus project has been sent to the Department of Housing for funding to complete the proposed works, Mr O’Riordan confirmed.
“A decision in relation to same will be made early in the new year. We hope to liaise with the City and County Council early in the New Year to progress this project,” he said.
Meanwhile, Limerick GAA received, separate to various sponsorships (including that of Adare Manor), the following financial support: Club Limerick New York €120,000, Club Limerick Global €50,000, and Club Limerick Dublin €35,000.
Under the continued chairmanship of Seán Scanlan, Club Limerick continues to contribute handsomely, most likely with a sum in six figures.
The cost of team preparations in 2023 was reasonably static at €2.35million.
Limerick GAA reported an overall profit for the year of €500,000.
