Ringfort to restrict size of new Mayo GAA pitch

Lower Mulvey Park in Castlebar is to be transformed from its grass state into an all-weather 4G astroturf GAA pitch. Although still only at its initial design phase, it is intended that all works at the Mayo GAA training ground, which is located directly behind the ‘Albany End’ of Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, would be complete before the start of next season.

Delegates at the monthly meeting of Mayo GAA County Board passed the Coiste Bainistí proposal after vice-chairman Michael Diskin said he didn’t think Mayo GAA could continue to manage without an astroturf pitch. They did so despite the dimensions of the playing area falling short of the GAA’s own official guide.

At 140 metres, the new pitch will be comfortably long enough, but its 70 metre width is well short of the 80m (minimum) to 90m (maximum) required to play matches from under-16 level upwards.

Discussions with The Office of Public Works (OPW) surrounding the possibility of Mayo GAA acquiring land at the adjoining Davitt House in order to facilitate pitch widening did take place, however, a ringfort structure on those grounds scuppered that possibility, said Mr Diskin.

The development was necessary, he said, due to a lack of pitches during the months of January and February in particular.

Mayo GAA treasurer Valerie Murphy gave an assurance to delegates that their clubs will not be asked to foot the bill for the 4G pitch but nor could say how it would be financed “until the costings are done”.