Hallowed sod of Semple Stadium needs to be 'match free' now for a number of weeks

The sod of Semple Stadium pitch is a source of pride for many in the county and those in the know have seen the effects of a wet spring on the field in Thurles. The high number of matches - hurling and football - has meant that the field has not had time to recover and reach optimal levels of growth and smoothness for games. With the Munster championships in mind - and the minor, Under 20 and senior championship competitions just around the corner - the ground staff and management team in Tom Semple's Field have made the decision to close the field to allow the field to recover and be in pristine condition for the games on the horizon. 

The surface has become damaged due to the excess water and the constant barraging without a chance to recover, so no games will take place for 'a number of weeks' in Thurles. This will allow the ground a chance to recover and ensure that it will be in 'top notch' condition for the upcoming high profile championship games that are just around the corner.

A knock on effect of the closure is that the Tipperary footballers Allianz League Division 4 game against Waterford, scheduled for next Sunday afternoon, will now have to be played at Bansha. Other venues such as Ardfinnan and Clonmel as well as Sean Treacy Park in Tipperary Town were grounds under consideration. 

Outside of that group, Fethard Town Park has proved a popular venue for Ladies Football matches in recent times. Intercounty hurling challenge games as well as schools hurling Harty Cup ties have been played there in recent weeks however Bansha, being a sand based field, will be able to take the excess moisture at present and is a suitable alternative on this occasion for the National League game. 

The Tipperary footballers did play their McGrath Cup game against Limerick in Fethard on the artificial surface previously. The venue in Fethard is fast becoming a necessity for games as with 'Climate Change' and excess rainfall every winter becoming the norm across this decade, more 4G pitches are needed in Ireland.

The closed in dome at the Connaught Centre of Excellence at Bekan (near Knock) in Mayo is in regular use and a similar venue would be of massive benefit to Tipperary if one was built in the county to serve the province. GAA officials will have to adapt and consider using more all weather pitches across the country in the years ahead.