Mike O’Halloran inspects the pitch ahead of Sunday’s Kerry SHC county final in Abbeydorney and he’s really impressed. Also see the parking plan for the final below…
The pitch at Abbeydorney is looking great ahead of the county final tomorrow.
As preparation for work with Radio Kerry for the Garveys SuperValu Kerry Senior Hurling Championship, I have visited the pitch in Abbeydorney to see the preparations.
The place was buzzing with volunteers tidying and erecting barriers and making sure that everything is set for the game and for the safety of the patrons.
Their pitch itself looks immaculate prior to cutting and lining on Saturday by ‘the barber’ Wiliam O’Leary. Frank Egan and his crew (which included a Ballyduff man) showed me around the facility.
There is a new terrace between the ball wall and the scoreboard which was there for the semis but has now been upgraded. A further terrace has been added above the stand at the Kearney’s field end of the pitch on the Roche’s farm side.
The attention to detail from the field committee of Frank Egan, Pat Slattery and Tony Maunsell is of the highest order. Much has been made of the fact that the hurling final is being held in Abbeydorney, but the village is no stranger to County Championship Finals as this will be the fourth time the final will be held in O’Dorney.
This is the first County Hurling Final to be held in Thomas Healy Park which was purchased for £2,500 in 1970 and has developed into the brilliant facility that exists now.
In 1937 Pearses defeated St Brendans, 1938 saw Pearses defeat Ballyduff and in 1941 Crotta overcame Ballyheigue in a replay. Those games were played in Rices field which serves as a Car Park E (see the map below) for Sunday’s game.
The advice to patrons is to arrive early and to use the car parks provided, stewards will guide you to the pitch and if you have any special requirement regarding mobility just speak to any steward and as is customary in O’Dorney you will receive all the necessary help with a smile and “a heart and a half”.
Continued below…
The immaculate playing surface in Abbeydorney GAA grounds.
If you feel the need to have a drink or a bite at the venue I’m sure Bill Maunsell will be delighted to accommodate you, and to facilitate those of you who might have a drink or two a large number of portaloo’s have been installed.
Frank Egan tells me the weather is going to be kind so all is set for a wonderful day’s hurling with the two best teams in the county playing on one of the best hurling surfaces in Ireland.
So come along and enjoy the unique atmosphere that has been created during the 2015 Garveys SuperValu Kerry Hurling Championship by the North Kerry Clubs and hurling followers.
• Abbeydorney GAA have identified car parking for the Senior Hurling championship on Sept 27th At Abbeydorney GAA grounds.
Areas on map marked A,B,C,D,E,F, are potentially available for car parking (see map below).
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AN Garda Siochana have directed that car parks A, E and F will be prioritised for match parking and the Gardai will decide if further car parking areas will be opened up.
Traffic approaching from the Ballyduff side will be directed into car park A.
Traffic approaching from the Ardfert side will be directed into car park F.
Traffic approaching from Lixnaw and Tralee will be directed into car park E.
An Garda Siochana will allow controlled On Street parking on the lixnaw / ardfert approach roads and also in the Abbeydorney Parish Hall car park on the ardfert road .
The road linking Abbeydorney GAA grounds to Tralee will be an emergency route and parking on this route within the confines of Abbeydorney Village will be prohibited.
As thers is no curtain raiser to the senior final patrons are requested to arrive at the car parking areas early and to obey directions from the Gardai and stewards
