Major Work on Both Pitches Planned and Completed

Post date: Apr 4, 2012 10:51:16 AM

Starting last Saturday, a major programme of works is underway to improve the quality of our field playing surfaces. At 7am a hardy group of volunteers began the process of a major re-sodding of the goal area at the Rocks Road end of the training pitch. Noel Thomas and his expertise were on hand to supervise the operation. Noel also came with his machine for levelling and removing stone prior to placing the new sod. Thanks Oughterard Golf Club and Michael Darcy Junior, who had loaned the machine for cutting new strips of sod, the new turf fitted well. In fact the work went so well that a decision was made to re-sod a small section of the goal at the opposite end

Tom Claffey, Derek Conneely, Morgan Darcy Jr, and Liam Hynes

load the newly cut sod for resodding in the goal areas

First on site were Noel, Derek Conneely, Morgan Darcy, Tom Claffey and Liam Hynes. They were later joined by Kenneth Fox, Sean Gibbons, Jimmy Donohoe and Colm Mannion and most importantly they respective tools. Michael McDonagh and his tractor and frontloader were an important late addition in terms of collecting and transporting topsoil. Towards the end of operations, there was enoungh help to have a crew completing the work on the second goal, while the other replaced topsoil and reseeded the area from which the sod was removed. The Rocks Road end goal will be fenced off until the 21st April while the other areas would benefit from sympathetic useTim Bohan had been busy the day before spreading fertiliser across both pitches in preparation for the other planned works.

Noel Thomas preparing the ground

This week, Thursday and Good Friday, a contractor will be vertically draining both pitches with a few to improving their condition and to help eliminate som of the compaction that has occurred over time, particularly in areas of high traffic. Some selective re-seeding will also be done in areas with poor grass cover.

The clubs are currently trying to organise a works committee to address minor and major works on the site similar to what was achieved last Saturday. In a manner similar to the Lotto Committee, it is hoped that a group of 24 people divided into 4 groups can address a specific task every fortnight. Thus each group only has to contribute a couple of hours every 8 weeks, but major results could be achieved in the appearance and functionality of our facilities. If you a member of CIMC, Cumann Peile, Cumann Camógaíochta, Handball or Ladies Football and are interested in helping out. Contact Kenneth Fox, Liam Hynes, Concepta Croke or Kathy Keady to be included in teams.