CLUBS GROUNDS IN DOWN

[No. 6]

This post is not about how good or bad facilities are that each club in Down owns or uses; it is about the facilities they think they own or even are convinced they have more rights to use than any one else.

The majority of clubs have their own pitch and facilities all developed from hard work through fund raising and other means that are honest and true to their club. Showing the wealth of their club is important to members as they are proud of their club's achievement. No matter how bad the accounts are club grounds will portray the success of the club and its members off the field to the general public.

The point is people connected to clubs have a sense of pride in their club and their achievements are honoured and praised by all. However, in Down we have several clubs were the pitches and facilities all belong to the county board. All the club is doing is paying admin fees annually and collecting money at the gate which is most likely more than others due to attracting big championship games and playoff games.

Should all clubs not be forced to purchase their own grounds and leave county grounds for ounty football or hurling?

This would also put an end to county teams over using club grounds for training.