Tullacmongan pitch reopening in pipeline
It is hoped the newly refurbished Tullacmongan pitch in Cavan Town can be reopened to the public sooner rather than later, though no timeline has yet been given.
“The pitch has passed the test, which is good news,” senior engineer for the Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District, Paul Mulligan, told elected members last week when the subject of the pitch’s future was raised for discussion by local Fianna Fáil councillor, Patricia Walsh.
She had previously been among a number voices who raised concerns over the condition of the astro-turf facility in Cavan Town, which was ultimately deemed ‘unplayable’ by senior soccer league officials. The unfortunate turn of events for what once was regarded as one of the finest all-weather pitches in the county resulted in some members drifting away from clubs who use the grounds, such as the Cavan Shamrocks soccer club.
Opened in 2013 by then FAI chief executive John Delaney, the pitch failed tests last year regarding the safety of the surface. The closure of the facility set in train a series of developments aimed at bringing the grounds back up to a playable standard, led by Cavan County Council.
As well as improvements to the playing surface, the local authority also helped funnel investment to repair netting and improve other essential elements.
To the MD meeting, Cllr Walsh urged: “Everything that’s possible needs to be done to get that pitch back open.”
Cllr Walsh said it was one of the “most used” pitches in the county.
She thanked the council for their support for the project, and paid tribute to Mr Mulligan who she said had gone out of his way to meet with locals to hear their concerns.
Mr Mulligan said he hoped to have a date for reopening “soon” but would not elaborate further.
He said it had been a “great facility” and would be once again once all the works had been completed and fully signed off.
He concluded that once the pitch is reopened it will cap what is to be a “good news story. It definitely will be.”
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