GAELIC FOOTBALL
One example is the lighting on the Fit Trail where we had to install low level light fittings along some sections adjacent to the river to take into account the presence of a bat colony
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on the old and training pitches which was a great success, mainly due to Covid-19 having shut the club down!” “This meant that the turf got time to establish whereas, in previous years, it didn’t. As our playing season is at its fullest during peak growing season, it is difficult to get the results that winter sports achieve.” “We started to returf immediately after the last match which was 20th November. Myself, along with some of the lads from work who are volunteer groundsmen at Bryansford GAC in Newcastle, got it completed.”
“Budgets may affect renovations in the future as Covid-19 has had an impact on revenue generation here like the majority of sports clubs.” “We don’t have too much trouble with pests here but did have a minor issue with either foxes or badgers. We carried out some repairs to our fencing which seemed to cure the problem.” “Thankfully, we do not have an issue with rabbits but I know some neighbouring clubs have and they are very frustrated at the level of damage they have caused,” Tiarnach added.
Tiarnach considers the environment and its components very important, keeping a close eye on wildlife and fauna. “We consider local flora and fauna to be really important, especially as we are a rurally based club,” he said. “The recent development undertaken by the club took into account any possible impact that it may have had.” “One example is the lighting on the Fit
Trail, where we had to install low level light fittings along some sections adjacent to the river to take into account the presence of a bat colony, which are resident under the bridges in the immediate locality.” “We planted 120 saplings of native species around the Fit Trail where we could; mostly beech, birch and ash, which is quite appropriate as hurling sticks are made from ash.”
“I have made contact with our local council’s Countryside Officer and the Parks Department regarding funding for small environmental projects and progress is going well on that front.” “The village’s wastewater treatment plant is located adjacent to the site and we have been in contact regarding tree planting
along the access road and within the plant to provide an element of screening and for environmental enhancement.” “The club doesn’t employ an environmental consultant as we use the expertise within the club, who happens to be my cousin Pearse McCartan. I have sought advice from him as regards environmental matters on many occasions.” Tiarnach has a few ideas up his sleeve on how to improve the local area around the club and make it even more environmentally friendly.
“I intend to carry out a programme of wildflower planting in the spring in areas where I have difficulty accessing with the mower. We recently renovated our house and replaced the flooring. Now I have some real wood flooring, I intend, over the winter, to recycle that and make some bird boxes and place them at various locations around the Fit Trail before the nesting season begins.”
Industry thoughts
Although Tiarnach hasn’t been working a long time in the industry he has witnessed a ‘slow appreciation’ for the work groundcare professionals do.
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PC December/January 2021
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