The pitch at Dr. Hyde Park, which has come in for much criticism in recent years due to drainage issues and it’s uneven surface is set to be renovated this summer if plans by the Roscommon GAA Executive are approved at the next meeting of the County Board.
Speaking earlier today Roscommon GAA Chairperson Seamus Sweeney said “It was with great regret that we had to give up home advantage in the FBD League for the match against Mayo. We found ourselves in the unenviable situation, where we had to make a choice between moving that game, or the biggest (Allianz Football) League game we have had in many years (against Monaghan on January 31 in our return to Division 1), from our county grounds.”
If the proposal is approved by Clubs the venue will remain closed until February 2017, in order to give the new playing surface sufficient time to flourish ahead of the return of the Allianz League.
The Chairperson also reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to an overall upgrade of the County Ground which will see a total reconstruction of the spectator areas and the addition of much needed facilities for players, patrons and officials. “We will not be able to start that work immediately as there are planning processes to be addressed. We are working very closely with Croke Park and Connacht Council to ensure that we are in a position to do the job as soon as possible. We look forward to working with our Fundraising and Commercial arm Club Rossie in ensuring that we have the appropriate finance in place. We are indebted to the supporters of Roscommon GAA and all members of Club Rossie for their continued financial support to Roscommon GAA.”
He concluded by encouraging supporters to back the efforts of Club Rossie in fundraising for the pitch development in Hyde Park “as well as continuing to ensure that all of our teams both hurling and football from Development to Senior level are given the best possible chance of success”.