Leitrim GAA appeal to Clubs to help make up shortfall in Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada resurfacing costs

Leitrim GAA clubs are being asked to make a contribution of €3,320 each to help with the costs of resurfacing the playing surface at Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada with a decision expected at a specially convened meeting of the County Board on Monday week, February 26.

With the playing surface in the famed County ground in Carrick-on-Shannon in dire need of improvement after several high profile postponements in recent years, Leitrim GAA County Board Executive have written to clubs proposing that each club contributes €3,320 towards an expected shortfall of €83,000 to help meet the costs of the works.

In a letter to clubs, seen by the Leitrim Observer, Secretary Declan Bohan reveals that work on the new playing surface is expected to begin in late March or early April with a total cost of €383,000. Mr Bohan explained that with a grant of €300,000 from the GAA's National Finance Committee, it left the Board with a significant shortfall of €83,000.

Mr Bohan also revealed in his letter that discussions had taken place with Leitrim LGFA about their possibility of joining them in the project with the Ladies Board due to have discussions in the coming days.

The Observer, who were contacted by several club members about the County Board's request, understands that at no stage was any request made by the County Board to clubs to use money they received from JP McManus towards the cost of the new pitch.

In the past three years, Leitrim has lost the hosting of a crucial Allianz NFL Division 4 clash with London in February 2022 due to an unplayable pitch while the condition of the pitch in late September, early October means that many double headers have been unable to be accommodated. Indeed, last year's Quarter-Final between Glencar Manorhamilton and Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins did not go ahead due to the condition of the pitch.

1994 STILL HAS IMPACT FOR LEITRIM CAPTAIN AND HALL OF FAME WINNER DECLAN DARCY

Mr Bohan's letter, entitled "Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada Pitch resurfacing funding" in full states: "A chare, at last night's meeting of Coiste Chonate Liatroma, a decision was made to appoint Joe Prunty Contracts Ltd to carry out the necessary works. This will commence as soon as possible, likely start date late March/early April, and it is hoped the works will be completed this Summer. This, of course, is all weather dependent. The cost of the contract is worth €380,000.

Referee Ray McBrien conducts a pitch inspection last year in Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada Picture: Willie Donnellan

"It is beyond doubt that this is the most important project to be undertaken in a long time. Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada was opened 60 years ago in 1964. Many fine structural additions have been made to the facility over the years, particularly in the area of spectator comfort. However, the actual playing surface, apart from remedial works, remains very much the original surface as laid 60 years ago.

"Unfortunately, given weather patterns and the fact that it is required most at the front and back ends of the year, it is far from reliable. The list of postponed games at county and club level has grown over the past number of years and to be frank, we can do much better. This project is not just to provide a reliable playing surface for county teams but to also facilitate our club teams with a reliable venue for the concluding stages of our most important games which generally take place in September - November.

"Discussion at last night's meeting moved on towards financing the project. It was explained at the meeting that when we were approved for the grant as outlined below, we had the necessary funds to pay for the shortfall. This is now not the case. With that in mind, the following information was relayed to the meeting:

Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada Development Tender price - The original tender price was €448,000 but taking out optional extras, the tender figure has been reduced to €383,000. Coiste Chontae Liatroma has been approved for the maximum possible grant of €300,000 for this project by the National Finance Committee. This leaves a shortfall of €83,000 which we must have access to to complete the project. Otherwise we may not be allowed to commence the project.

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We are requesting clubs to consider helping us financially to meet this shortfall. There are 23 football units and two hurling units that we claim to have control of. Based on the shortfall amount, the calculations are as follows:

• Project Shortfall: €83,000
• GAA Units: 25
• Amount per unit: €3,320

We are asking clubs to consider this proposal at a club meeting over the next two weeks and a specially convened meeting of Coiste Chontae Liatroma will take place on Monday, February 26, at Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada to make a decision on the funding path.

We have had a preliminary discussion with the main officers of LGFA Liatroma to ascertain their views with regards to joining us in this development project. Given the integration pathway that is currently ongoing, we have discussed the benefits of being part of this project development and having a playing surface in the future that should be, within reason, available to all or certainly more than is currently the case, for the more important games of their intercounty and club calendar. Leitrim LGFA will discuss this at their upcoming meetings."