Clones set for 30 million euro revamp

[charlie linkbox]

The Ulster football final could soon be returning to its spiritual home of Clones after plans for a EUR30 million revamp of St. Tiernach's Park were revealed.

The massive redevelopment would see the Co. Monaghan venue transformed into one of the top sports stadia in the country with its capacity increasing from 35,000 to 50,000. All that is required for the go-ahead for the ambitious project is for the Ulster Council to provide an undertaking that, except in the case of exceptional circumstances, the provincial football final will take place in Clones.

If this agreement is reached, the Government will provide significant funding towards the cost of the redevelopment.

"We would hope that the Government would come up with funding in the region of EUR12 million and that the bulk of the remaining outlay would be provided by grants from the GAA and Ulster Council," explained Monaghan chairman John Connolly.

Monaghan officials have already discussed the issue with Ulster Council president Michael Greenan and secretary Danny Murphy. They have also spoken to Sports Minister John O'Donoghue with Connolly describing him as "very helpful".

The Monaghan county board is keen to see the province's showpiece game returning to Clones after the Ulster Council opted for Croke Park in each of the last three years. The 2004 final between Armagh and Donegal attracted a 67,000 attendance to Croke Park, but this year's final between the same two teams saw the crowd drop to 50,000.

"We can fully understand the Ulster Council opting for Croke Park when they are guaranteed a huge crowd, but we feel that Clones would have been adequate for this year's final," Connolly said.

"Between the corporate box and premium level seats you are virtually guaranteed 10,000 people before you start in Croke Park.

"As we as the Ulster final, we would also hope to stage games like semi-finals at Clones."




Excellent news. Was never a fan of the Croke Park idea - I was always of the opinion that the Ulster final should be played in Ulster (though not necessarily Clones in case I'm accused of Monaghan bias).

One thing though; by increasing the capacity to 50,000 it would be folly not to invest another few million to upgrade access to and from the ground as well. It's a nightmare as it is without adding another 15,000 to the crowd. Let's hope the foresight is there to deal with this issue too. Great news nonetheless.

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This is thread number.......?

[charlie linkbox]

Apologies. Mea culpa.

I didn't see the other thread relating to it.

Forget this one.

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Not a worry Charlie