THE HALL GO ALL WEATHER

Constructed at a total cost of €750,000, Douglas Hall’s new all weather pitch is now ready for use following the issue of the FAI licence. From initial concept to completion, the entire project has been ongoing since the summer of 2006.

Arising from a need within the club to accommodate the more than 30 teams and the growth of the club the decision was made in October 2006 to prepare a plan and submit a request to the Sports Council for grant aid. After much soul-searching and research is was decided to propose the construction of an all-weather floodlit pitch, playable all year round and suitable for use by all teams.

The submission was made in November, 2006 and the club was delighted with the award of €250,000 from the Sports Council in March, 2007. In parallel with this award, the Cork County Council also awarded a grant of €70,000 over the following two years. Work would not have been possible on the strength of either award on its own, but the combined award of €320,000 made it economically feasible to proceed with work. Fundraising and borrowing made up the balance.

Following an exhaustive tendering process it was agreed in October 2007 to award the contract for the construction of the pitch to Pride Sports and their work on the pitch now shows that this was clearly the correct decision. The contract for floodlighting was subsequently awarded to Bob Ryan Electrical in March 2007 and those who have seen the floodlighting will testify to the top-class job that has been done with the lighting.

Fencing, pathways and the surrounds for the pitch was contracted to Brian Kennedy construction, and despite inclement weather conditions, the overall package is now taking shape. Work began in June 2008 and the overall poor weather conditions during the summer were certainly no help with scheduling the job. However, work did proceed and the pitch began to take shape during September and October. Floodlighting pylons, fencing, pathways and netting were constructed to clearly define the playing area. The playing pitch has a spectator fence surround, with a 2 metre high perimeter fence also in place. Pitch laying was done during December and January and the result is now clear for all to see.

In addition to the pitch a new car park has been completed with 150 car parking spaces. There is ongoing construction of new extended footpaths and roadway to accommodate all the extra traffic going to and from the pitch.

Competitive action will begin this Saturday with both Douglas Hall Junior teams in action as well as the girls U/14 team. Each Sunday morning over 200 kids ages 6-10 will benefit hugely from the facility.
The club would like to thank Breffni Toal and his team from Pride Sports for their professionalism and to all those who contributed to the successful construction.

The attention to detail at all stages is now paying dividends and Douglas Hall can be justly proud of the top-class facility which is now available at Moneygourney.

Details on rental of the pitch will be on http://www.douglashallafc.com/ soon.