Feverpitch: townset forastroturffacility

September 2005

WORK has started on the first all-weather astro turf training pitch in Arklow.

Costing in the region of €270,000, it is a joint partnership project between the local Arklow Geraldines/Ballymoney club and the County GAA Committee, and is located at the Pearse Park complex.

Two hurling walls are being incorporated in the development, which will be invaluable in developing the skills of the players at both county and juvenile levels.

Sited beside AGB’s new juvenile pitch, the astroturf pitch, measuring 60 metres by 30 metres, will be floodlit and will enable teams and clubs to avail of its facilities throughout the long winter evenings.

The work is being carried out by Newtownmountkennedy firm, Pride, who are specialists in astroturf pitches.

It is aimed to have the facility up and running by the end of October. International rugby star Shane Byrne is a director of the company.

Mr. Donal Duffy, chairman of AGB, said that the astroturf training pitch would be a great asset.

‘ This astroturf facility will be available to gaelic clubs in the first instance, but it won’t be closed to other sports either. It will be open to schools and juvenile clubs and ladies to avail of the facilities as well,’ he added. ‘ It is a major step forward in the town and the club is happy to participate in this partnership.’

Mr. Jimmy Dunne of the Wicklow County Board said ‘I am delighted that this new initiative is coming on board and particularly at a time when there are so many challenges for young people. Sports is a great outlet and this facility will allow young sports people to attain their full potential.