A trip into the unknown, but grounds for concern?
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When Mervue United were catapulted into the League of Ireland two years back, they were forced to move out of their natural habitat, Fahy’s Field, and into the more licensing friendly surroundings of Terryland Park.
This Friday, however, sees Mervue return to their home base. It might not have the facilities of Tallaght, or the distinct character of Dalymount Park, but for the Galway club it’ll be an historic moment. Months of preparation have gone into getting the pitch fit for use, and although there might not be impressive all-seater stands surrounding the field, the playing surface is in mint condition ahead of the campaign. And that’s the most important thing, isn’t it?
Cork City will be the first visitors to the revamped ground (they added a perimeter fence around the pitch to make it suitable to the LoI, typifying the ultimate silliness of the licensing system) and with the biggest fanbase in the First Division in town, it’ll be the perfect introduction to the league for the ‘new’ ground. Still, the Leesiders are considering it something of a trip into the unknown, with Tommy Dunne admitting he’s not sure what the new ground will be like and the club have sent people to find out about the facilities. In truth, very few away from the Galway club are sure of what to expect.
One certainty is that when it rains, there’ll be little opportunity to find cover. Of course, stadium nerds like me are actually quite excited by visiting the new ground regardless of the lack of top-class facilities and mementos like the programme to herald their opening game at Fahy’s Field will be cherished by many of those in attendance this Friday night for years to come.
Speaking of moving grounds; JP McManus, a man adored by almost everyone on the banks of the Shannon, came up trumps again last week by purchasing Limerick’s old stomping ground Markets Field, with a view to making it available to the club once more.
McManus secured the site through his Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership trust, with Lims Chairman Pat O’Sullivan declaring it a ‘marvellous gesture’ from the city’s biggest businessman. At present, the club are believed to be sizing up the amount of work that needs to be done to have it ready for the 2012 season, though they remain optimistic that the return is on the horizon sooner rather than later.
Undoubtedly, a move back to the ‘spiritual home’ of Limerick football, after an exodus of two decades would bring an infinite amount of positives to football in the county. In its current state, Jackman Park is far from an aestethically pleasing ground and, sadly, one of the least favoured away trips for fans around the country.
This Friday, however, sees Mervue return to their home base. It might not have the facilities of Tallaght, or the distinct character of Dalymount Park, but for the Galway club it’ll be an historic moment. Months of preparation have gone into getting the pitch fit for use, and although there might not be impressive all-seater stands surrounding the field, the playing surface is in mint condition ahead of the campaign. And that’s the most important thing, isn’t it?
Cork City will be the first visitors to the revamped ground (they added a perimeter fence around the pitch to make it suitable to the LoI, typifying the ultimate silliness of the licensing system) and with the biggest fanbase in the First Division in town, it’ll be the perfect introduction to the league for the ‘new’ ground. Still, the Leesiders are considering it something of a trip into the unknown, with Tommy Dunne admitting he’s not sure what the new ground will be like and the club have sent people to find out about the facilities. In truth, very few away from the Galway club are sure of what to expect.
One certainty is that when it rains, there’ll be little opportunity to find cover. Of course, stadium nerds like me are actually quite excited by visiting the new ground regardless of the lack of top-class facilities and mementos like the programme to herald their opening game at Fahy’s Field will be cherished by many of those in attendance this Friday night for years to come.
Speaking of moving grounds; JP McManus, a man adored by almost everyone on the banks of the Shannon, came up trumps again last week by purchasing Limerick’s old stomping ground Markets Field, with a view to making it available to the club once more.
McManus secured the site through his Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership trust, with Lims Chairman Pat O’Sullivan declaring it a ‘marvellous gesture’ from the city’s biggest businessman. At present, the club are believed to be sizing up the amount of work that needs to be done to have it ready for the 2012 season, though they remain optimistic that the return is on the horizon sooner rather than later.
Undoubtedly, a move back to the ‘spiritual home’ of Limerick football, after an exodus of two decades would bring an infinite amount of positives to football in the county. In its current state, Jackman Park is far from an aestethically pleasing ground and, sadly, one of the least favoured away trips for fans around the country.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile