Use of O’Moore Park

[Gaamad1]

After watching a few games on Clubber and checking fixtures, I noticed that every single game in the Laois hurling championship is fixed for O'Moore Park.

Has that always been the way?
Is it something fans/clubs/players want?

In every other county, the games are spread out and played in local club grounds during the group stages.
Local rivalries on tight pitches, with fans surrounding the pitch.
Instead, they are played in the vast expanses of the county ground, with none of the terraces even open to let fans stand up and watch the games.
I know quite a few counties have even brought in home games to the championships, where each team is guaranteed at least one home game. It brings a real extra flavour to games and great local pride to communities to be hosting.

It seems odd to me but maybe it is liked in Laois?

[Genocide Organ]

It's been like that since around 2008, I think. Maybe a bit after. 2010? Don't think it's what the fans want, as there's often no atmosphere at the games. Personally, I think it's unnecessary, and you might actually get bigger crowds at a local venue.

[Laois345]

I do wonder was it initially due to an element of distrust over the collection of money at the gate?

I've no idea how these things work. Some better places might offer insight.

It's great for senior teams to play in the county ground but I feel it certainly takes from the atmosphere.

[Junior Ex Laoistalk]

I agree, it should be a privilege to play in O'Moore Park and that right should be earned by getting through to the quarter finals. That would give lads something to aim for in the earlier rounds and burst a gut trying to get there.
Now that Clubber TV are covering most of the championship games it's going to make it even more unlikely that they will move to smaller venues.

[les Antiques]

Certainly a great atmosphere for Stradbally v Killeshin in Ratheniska the other night .