Referees seek better facilities

WEXFORD GAA referees have called on the county’s leading officials to provide improved accommodation at the main county grounds.

Not for the first time, the local men in black have expressed concern over the lack of adequate changing rooms at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

Wexford GAA recently declared their intentions through a planning application to Wexford County Council for the provision of floodlights at the county grounds, an extension of dressing-room facilities, and also the provision of a permanent kiosk for programme sales.

Now a prominent referee has expressed anger at the decision not to include better facilities for match day officials.

‘This has been an ongoing issue. We spoke with Wexford GAA about this some two years back,’ he said.

‘We requested referees’ changing rooms at the opposite side of the ground, at the Clonard end, but once again it appears we are being ignored.

‘At present we have a small changing area under the stand, but we have to access this room along with players and officials.

‘It’s not a safe environment for referees, having to mingle with players and officials both at half-time and full-time as we try to enter the room.

‘Also for a double-headers the room is far too small, with up to 14 officials being catered for in a small, compact room.

‘The least the GAA could do is discuss this matter with us. As I say, it’s not a safe environment for match day officials at the moment.

‘But now it looks as if a cafe, in the old gym, or even a permanent programme selling kiosk, is more important. It’s just not acceptable and will need to be dealt with.

‘It will be too late when a referee, linesman or umpire is assaulted during or after a game.’

Meanwhile, the meeting of the management committee of Wexford GAA held on June 17 noted that a report has been received from an expert agronomist regarding the soil and grass analysis of the pitch in Chadwicks Wexford Park.

The report will enable the preparation of a detailed tender for the pitch remediation works which have been put on hold in order to have the venue available for the forthcoming local championships.

The meeting also noted the requirement for further work to be carried out on St. Patrick’s Park in Enniscorthy after another reported case of vandalism recently.