O’Donnell Park in Letterkenny has missed out on a top national award after Semple Stadium, Thurles, was announced as the winner of the 2017 Pitch Award.
O’Donnell Park was short-listed alongside Semple Stadium, Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon, Páirc Uí Rinn in Cork, St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge and Innovate Wexford Park (Wexford).
Today, the GAA confirmed that Semple Stadium had won with St Conleth’s Park the runner-up.
Assessment of the grounds nationwide was completed by Stuart Wilson, Croke Park Pitch Manager and GAA National Games Development Centre, and Dr Stephen Barker of the Sports Research Institute, who visited all six venues.
The decision process involved scoring and feedback from referees during the Allianz Leagues in spring, and took into consideration a Pitch Quality Assessment based on performance standards, construction, management program, environmental conditions and usage levels.
Commenting on the scheme and the results, GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “I would like to congratulate the team at Semple Stadium on winning this award. We have all witnessed many great games in Thurles over the years, and while the talents of hurlers and footballers catches the eye of many, the conditions for them to play in always top class so I salute the work undertaken by all.
“This initiative is a welcome addition to the GAA landscape and I would like to pay tribute to Stuart Wilson and all of the National Pitch Committee whose work not only highlights the great work nationwide by volunteers in maintaining our pitches and grounds, but also encourages people to improve and raise their standards.”
O’Donnell Park has been hosting Allianz League games again since 2007 and is the home of the Donegal hurlers. The venue, home to St Eunan’s GAA club, also plays host to several games in the Donegal club championships each year.
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