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GAA Discussion => GAA Discussion => Topic started by: Eamonnca1 on June 12, 2019, 06:28:03 PM

Title: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pail?
Post by: Eamonnca1 on June 12, 2019, 06:28:03 PM
What's all the hullabaloo about the ABC council not providing municipal pitches for Gaelic games? According to the shinners the SDLP are being west Brits by going along with the decision to provide facilities for Rugby and Soccer but no GAA, and claiming that the GAA was not consulted.

According to the SDLP this has been a 3-year process in which all councilors, including SF, were involved. The GAA was consulted, the Armagh county board is fine with the plan, the GAA Ulster council is fine with the plan, the North Armagh clubs are fine with the plan, St Ronan's College is fine with the plan, and SF was fine with the plan all along. Only now are SF raising objections.

Is this a bit of a cheap shot by SF or what?
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 12, 2019, 06:42:30 PM
Hmmm who to believe 🤔
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: dec on June 12, 2019, 06:53:24 PM
Are there many public/council owned GAA pitches anywhere in the North (or South)?

I remember Jennings Park in Newry having a GAA pitch with 2 soccer pitches running across it seemed like it was only or mostly soccer that got played there. I don't think they even have GAA posts there now.

Almost all GAA pitches are either club or school owned.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Eamonnca1 on June 12, 2019, 06:54:48 PM
QuoteSinn Fein playing 'silly beggars' with Council's play pitch strategy complaints (https://www.armaghi.com/news/craigavon-news/sinn-fein-playing-silly-beggars-with-councils-play-pitch-strategy-complaints/88996?fbclid=IwAR1O1gVQJ8Kwq-QrDNvptCQZKTPTM-U7JHjZrzkOB-KqR8XOYXEFMP1OLvM)

Sinn Fein are playing "silly beggars" with Council's play pitch strategy, according to the SDLP.

Craigavon councillor Declan McAlinden has hit out at Sinn Fein comments questioning the Council's strategy, which they say "fails to reflect the needs of the entire Craigavon community".

Councillor McAlinden explained his party's position on the matter.

"At a recent meeting Sinn Fein put forward a proposal to have an EQ IA (Equality Impact Assessment) on the council's play pitch strategy after having sat for three years developing the proposal without once questioning the process," said the SDLP councillor.

"Their motive is unknown but their proposal doesn't have the support of the Ulster GAA council, local clubs or schools."

He added: "In fact, their proposal would only have delayed the implementation of the plans, and potentially put at risk, the existing developments.

"Sinn Fein need to quickly explain their solo run to the GAA community within the Borough and to the Ulster Council of the GAA."

Sinn Fein councillor Catherine Nelson had stated that our public spaces "must be reflective of our entire population".

Adding: ""The GAA is the largest sporting organisation in our Borough yet in the Craigavon area ABC council provides 25 pitches for soccer and zero for GAA.

"The failure to equality proof this policy is also of major concern."
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: sekibanki on June 12, 2019, 07:24:31 PM
Quote from: dec on June 12, 2019, 06:53:24 PM
Are there many public/council owned GAA pitches anywhere in the North (or South)?

I remember Jennings Park in Newry having a GAA pitch with 2 soccer pitches running across it seemed like it was only or mostly soccer that got played there. I don't think they even have GAA posts there now.

Almost all GAA pitches are either club or school owned.
MUSA, in Cookstown, has GAA pitches.
Not sure how much action it sees though.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Newbridge Exile on June 12, 2019, 07:43:53 PM
Quote from: sekibanki on June 12, 2019, 07:24:31 PM
Quote from: dec on June 12, 2019, 06:53:24 PM
Are there many public/council owned GAA pitches anywhere in the North (or South)?

I remember Jennings Park in Newry having a GAA pitch with 2 soccer pitches running across it seemed like it was only or mostly soccer that got played there. I don't think they even have GAA posts there now.

Almost all GAA pitches are either club or school owned.
MUSA, in Cookstown, has GAA pitches.
Not sure how much action it sees though.
Do Bredagh not play at  Cherryvale Park ?
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: lurganblue on June 12, 2019, 09:52:54 PM
In fairness Lurgan could do with a council GAA pitch if even to help Sean Treacys hurling club out a bit. They currently have to use a patch of grass at tannaghmore gardens to train on. They've to beg other clubs to use there pitch or go over to Portadown people's park for matches.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: angermanagement on June 12, 2019, 09:58:10 PM
Quote from: hardstation on June 12, 2019, 07:47:19 PM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on June 12, 2019, 07:43:53 PM
Quote from: sekibanki on June 12, 2019, 07:24:31 PM
Quote from: dec on June 12, 2019, 06:53:24 PM
Are there many public/council owned GAA pitches anywhere in the North (or South)?

I remember Jennings Park in Newry having a GAA pitch with 2 soccer pitches running across it seemed like it was only or mostly soccer that got played there. I don't think they even have GAA posts there now.

Almost all GAA pitches are either club or school owned.
MUSA, in Cookstown, has GAA pitches.
Not sure how much action it sees though.
Do Bredagh not play at  Cherryvale Park ?
They do. It sees a lot of GAA activity. I think they pay through the nose for it too.
Falls park and Boucher playing fields would have games also.

Woodlands also, new GAA pitch in the Brook Activity Centre in Twinbrook.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: imtommygunn on June 12, 2019, 10:22:06 PM
St Malachys also at cherryvale.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Square Ball on June 12, 2019, 10:45:33 PM
Yip, both Bredagh and St Mals play out of Cherryvale, three pitches, small grass, floodlight 3g, main grass and a new floodlight grass pitch to open next season, big outlay, but no other overheads bar the hired
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: JoG2 on June 12, 2019, 10:57:28 PM
Quote from: dec on June 12, 2019, 06:53:24 PM
Are there many public/council owned GAA pitches anywhere in the North (or South)?

I remember Jennings Park in Newry having a GAA pitch with 2 soccer pitches running across it seemed like it was only or mostly soccer that got played there. I don't think they even have GAA posts there now.

Almost all GAA pitches are either club or school owned.

Doire Trasna play on a council owned pitch in the City
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Eamonnca1 on June 12, 2019, 10:58:28 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 12, 2019, 09:52:54 PM
In fairness Lurgan could do with a council GAA pitch if even to help Sean Treacys hurling club out a bit. They currently have to use a patch of grass at tannaghmore gardens to train on. They've to beg other clubs to use there pitch or go over to Portadown people's park for matches.

What about that pitch out the North Circular Rd. out the back of Tannaghmore School? Was that not theirs? Or is it another Clann Eireann pitch?
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Walter Cronc on June 12, 2019, 11:04:26 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 12, 2019, 10:22:06 PM
St Malachys also at cherryvale.

The school? Is that not Antrim Road?
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: lurganblue on June 12, 2019, 11:06:21 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on June 12, 2019, 10:58:28 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 12, 2019, 09:52:54 PM
In fairness Lurgan could do with a council GAA pitch if even to help Sean Treacys hurling club out a bit. They currently have to use a patch of grass at tannaghmore gardens to train on. They've to beg other clubs to use there pitch or go over to Portadown people's park for matches.

What about that pitch out the North Circular Rd. out the back of Tannaghmore School? Was that not theirs? Or is it another Clann Eireann pitch?
yeah that's clann eireann's pitch too. My understanding is that they used to have access to it but that is now very limited if at all.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Milltown Row2 on June 12, 2019, 11:28:08 PM
Mallusk playing fields Newtownabbey also.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: nrico2006 on June 13, 2019, 08:08:31 AM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 12, 2019, 11:06:21 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on June 12, 2019, 10:58:28 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 12, 2019, 09:52:54 PM
In fairness Lurgan could do with a council GAA pitch if even to help Sean Treacys hurling club out a bit. They currently have to use a patch of grass at tannaghmore gardens to train on. They've to beg other clubs to use there pitch or go over to Portadown people's park for matches.

What about that pitch out the North Circular Rd. out the back of Tannaghmore School? Was that not theirs? Or is it another Clann Eireann pitch?
yeah that's clann eireann's pitch too. My understanding is that they used to have access to it but that is now very limited if at all.

That pitch is used by the seniors for training and matches but most of the underage is in Peoples Park or Tannaghmore Gardens.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Mikhailov on June 13, 2019, 08:19:56 AM
Quote from: sekibanki on June 12, 2019, 07:24:31 PM
Quote from: dec on June 12, 2019, 06:53:24 PM
Are there many public/council owned GAA pitches anywhere in the North (or South)?

I remember Jennings Park in Newry having a GAA pitch with 2 soccer pitches running across it seemed like it was only or mostly soccer that got played there. I don't think they even have GAA posts there now.

Almost all GAA pitches are either club or school owned.
MUSA, in Cookstown, has GAA pitches.
Not sure how much action it sees though.

MUSA is a great facility, try getting onto it on either the grass or 4G pitch from Jan - April at anytime of the evening - near impossible. Think it used a lot locally, for a lot of school games and club friendly games between teams from different counties as it is fairly centrally located for most clubs.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: johnnycool on June 13, 2019, 09:15:03 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 12, 2019, 11:04:26 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 12, 2019, 10:22:06 PM
St Malachys also at cherryvale.

The school? Is that not Antrim Road?

No, a club from the Lower Ormeau, Markets area of Belfast.

IIRC the GAA stumped up some of the money used to develop Cherryvale, Woodlands, Ormeau Park and Cliftonville.
Grounds are still owned by Belfast CC though.


Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Harold Disgracey on June 13, 2019, 10:08:24 AM
Somebody is spoofing here, I'm not sure any clubs in north Armagh were canvassed for their views.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Harold Disgracey on June 18, 2019, 01:22:23 PM
Somebody was spoofing!

A Ulster GAA spokesperson said: "At no stage was Ulster GAA consulted in relation to the ABC Council pitches strategy.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: general_lee on June 19, 2019, 01:42:31 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on June 18, 2019, 01:22:23 PM
Somebody was spoofing!

A Ulster GAA spokesperson said: "At no stage was Ulster GAA consulted in relation to the ABC Council pitches strategy.
Of course they were spoofing.  It's ridiculous the amount of clubs in North Armagh and there is no council provision for GAA in Lurgan. Sean Treacys as already mentioned have been fobbed off with a bit of land at Tannaghmore gardens. I remember they tried for planning permission to build a pitch at castor bay road outside Lurgan but you know who were instrumental in ensuring it was blocked. Now they are peddling lies to get some sort of cheap dig in at Sinn Fein! Something like the pitches at MUSA (which can be used for different sports, not just GAA) would be ideal but instead it looks like GAA clubs in the locality will have to make do with using facilities at two new school builds.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: screenexile on June 19, 2019, 02:22:10 PM
We have a council pitch in Ballinascreen we'd use from time to time if badly stuck. We field teams in all codes and age groups male and female so don't really have enough room to accommodate everything.

Our Minors used it last week for a friendly match starting at half 7... the lad from the council landed at 7.45 and the pitch wasn't even lined out!
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: general_lee on May 27, 2020, 10:51:19 AM
https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2020/05/27/news/abc-council-to-face-gaa-legal-action-1953067/

Fair play to Tír na nÓg taking this court action. Hopefully they are successful.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Harold Disgracey on May 27, 2020, 12:03:56 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on June 12, 2019, 06:54:48 PM
QuoteSinn Fein playing 'silly beggars' with Council's play pitch strategy complaints (https://www.armaghi.com/news/craigavon-news/sinn-fein-playing-silly-beggars-with-councils-play-pitch-strategy-complaints/88996?fbclid=IwAR1O1gVQJ8Kwq-QrDNvptCQZKTPTM-U7JHjZrzkOB-KqR8XOYXEFMP1OLvM)

Sinn Fein are playing "silly beggars" with Council's play pitch strategy, according to the SDLP.

Craigavon councillor Declan McAlinden has hit out at Sinn Fein comments questioning the Council's strategy, which they say "fails to reflect the needs of the entire Craigavon community".

Councillor McAlinden explained his party's position on the matter.

"At a recent meeting Sinn Fein put forward a proposal to have an EQ IA (Equality Impact Assessment) on the council's play pitch strategy after having sat for three years developing the proposal without once questioning the process," said the SDLP councillor.

"Their motive is unknown but their proposal doesn't have the support of the Ulster GAA council, local clubs or schools."

He added: "In fact, their proposal would only have delayed the implementation of the plans, and potentially put at risk, the existing developments.

"Sinn Fein need to quickly explain their solo run to the GAA community within the Borough and to the Ulster Council of the GAA."

Sinn Fein councillor Catherine Nelson had stated that our public spaces "must be reflective of our entire population".

Adding: ""The GAA is the largest sporting organisation in our Borough yet in the Craigavon area ABC council provides 25 pitches for soccer and zero for GAA.

"The failure to equality proof this policy is also of major concern."

This aged well!
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: illdecide on June 16, 2020, 10:49:08 PM
Quote from: general_lee on May 27, 2020, 10:51:19 AM
https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2020/05/27/news/abc-council-to-face-gaa-legal-action-1953067/

Fair play to Tír na nÓg taking this court action. Hopefully they are successful.

Long overdue...Chapeau Tir na nÓg
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pale?
Post by: Eamonnca1 on June 16, 2020, 11:27:56 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on May 27, 2020, 12:03:56 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on June 12, 2019, 06:54:48 PM
QuoteSinn Fein playing 'silly beggars' with Council's play pitch strategy complaints (https://www.armaghi.com/news/craigavon-news/sinn-fein-playing-silly-beggars-with-councils-play-pitch-strategy-complaints/88996?fbclid=IwAR1O1gVQJ8Kwq-QrDNvptCQZKTPTM-U7JHjZrzkOB-KqR8XOYXEFMP1OLvM)

Sinn Fein are playing "silly beggars" with Council's play pitch strategy, according to the SDLP.

Craigavon councillor Declan McAlinden has hit out at Sinn Fein comments questioning the Council's strategy, which they say "fails to reflect the needs of the entire Craigavon community".

Councillor McAlinden explained his party's position on the matter.

"At a recent meeting Sinn Fein put forward a proposal to have an EQ IA (Equality Impact Assessment) on the council's play pitch strategy after having sat for three years developing the proposal without once questioning the process," said the SDLP councillor.

"Their motive is unknown but their proposal doesn't have the support of the Ulster GAA council, local clubs or schools."

He added: "In fact, their proposal would only have delayed the implementation of the plans, and potentially put at risk, the existing developments.

"Sinn Fein need to quickly explain their solo run to the GAA community within the Borough and to the Ulster Council of the GAA."

Sinn Fein councillor Catherine Nelson had stated that our public spaces "must be reflective of our entire population".

Adding: ""The GAA is the largest sporting organisation in our Borough yet in the Craigavon area ABC council provides 25 pitches for soccer and zero for GAA.

"The failure to equality proof this policy is also of major concern."

This aged well!

Quiet.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pail?
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on June 20, 2020, 01:48:56 AM
So were the GAA not actually consulted and the SDLP didn't notice and SF did after 3 years?

There is no way of looking at this that isn't bizarre
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pail?
Post by: general_lee on June 20, 2020, 12:33:48 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on June 20, 2020, 01:48:56 AM
So were the GAA not actually consulted and the SDLP didn't notice and SF did after 3 years?

There is no way of looking at this that isn't bizarre
This is what you're dealing with when it comes to ABC (Craigavon) Council. It's not that they didn't notice, the report stated that Ulster council and at least one club was consulted when this is not the case. Some clubs in the area have to travel to places like Cookstown and Belfast to train because there are no suitable GAA facilities.

This sort of behaviour is unsurprising when you consider that this  is a council that was taken to court before because it wouldn't lease land to a GAA club to develop for no other reason than sectarian bigotry (the unofficial reason is because it would be in view of the local orange lodge). Old habits die hard it would seem.
Title: Re: GAA pitches in Craigavon - a gale in a pail?
Post by: johnnycool on June 22, 2020, 08:43:39 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on June 20, 2020, 01:48:56 AM
So were the GAA not actually consulted and the SDLP didn't notice and SF did after 3 years?

There is no way of looking at this that isn't bizarre

Same happened in North Down and Ards, only it was the SDLP Local Councillor who complained and now they've to pay for the building of two 3G pitches.