Update on Pitches
In light of ongoing requests for updates, I’m hoping this note will inform all members on the current status of Páirc Carmel (new pitches on the Carmelite site), and other plans for the remainder of 2025.
- Both new pitches are now levelled, drained, sanded and seeded and are maturing nicely. Using savings achieved and in agreement with SDCC, we’ve decided to extend the lower pitch. This is a game-changer in terms of availability to a wider range of teams. Other work starting shortly includes car park lighting, circular path, drainage, entrance, irrigation, planting, fencing and automation where practical. It’s hoped Pitch 1 will be ready by July and Pitch 2 in the Autumn.
- In late 2021 we installed an advanced LED Lighting system for the Sancta Maria grass pitch (Prunty). Prior to this our adult teams rented pitches at considerable cost to the club and huge inconvenience to players. Sitting in M50 traffic on the way to training was a nightmare. With the recent completion of the AV room and the upgraded gym, all aspects of team preparation can now be completed in the one location. Unfortunately, there are some downsides. The pitch is in constant use with adult teams from all codes training throughout the week and playing matches at the weekend. There is no pitch anywhere in the country getting the same usage. Despite this, the body of the pitch has held up, although at times even that area has been close to being irreversibly damaged. On the other hand, you’ll all be aware the goalmouths are in a very poor state of repair and the usage makes it inevitable that the goals need constant maintenance. Every year they’ve been resodded with different mix, but the usage means the sod never gets a chance to grow-in effectively. On this occasion we’re going with a new type of all-weather carpet with a corn infill. Unfortunately, there has been a long lead time on the carpet but we expect work to be completed this week.
We will use the goalmouth material as a test case for the full all weather pitch . If this proves successful we plan to replace this surface, including shock pads, towards the end of the year. However this is subject to change . Research is continuous and always looking at potential new material developments. Of course any spend in this area must have Executive and members approval.
On completion of Carmelites, we’ll have two new grass pitches, which will inevitably free up our other grass pitches. The Development Committee are acutely aware of the demands on PUM. Without any alternative grass pitches, it is critical we maintain at least one grass pitch to the highest of standards. PUM is the home pitch for all our Senior A and Minor A teams. Notwithstanding that, it is released, where practical, for other games. When Páirc Carmel opens, we’d hope to make the grass pitches in general more available.
With the explosion of teams over the last number of years, it’s difficult to meet demand. This is especially true when SDCC closes their pitches to protect them. Transferring that demand to our own pitches with no regard for protecting them isn’t a practical option. However, progress is being made, and the Development Committee will continue its work on the completion of Páirc Carmel.
I can be contacted at any stage to clarify any of the above.
John Ryan
Chairman Development Executive.