Semple Stadium is 'enormous' to the local economy says outgoing servant Con Hogan

Con Hogan will step down as chairman of the FBD Semple Stadium Management Committee after a 23-year service at the upcoming AGM.

A Marlfield native, he spoke at the Tipperary GAA County Convention recently about the challenges the county faces with the upkeep of the historic venue. He described how it is a vital “asset” to the GAA at large, but more so to the town of Thurles.

He highlighted that a Munster final day in Thurles is worth €3.2 million alone with some 200,000 of footfall going through the town, highlighting the value to the community as “enormous”.

Hogan revealed that an estimated expenditure of €8 million is required to bring FBD Semple Stadium up to standard and he said that a huge amount of lobbying will be needed to acquire the funding.

A part of the figure is a sum of €1.4 million to go toward the provision of a hybrid pitch that Hogan believes is necessary for the Stadium due to the ongoing volume of games played at the venue due to the split season format; highlighting that the pitch had to be closed back in April due to severe weather conditions and wear and tear.

FBD Semple Stadium as had two audits carried out over the last few years and the management committee plans on moving forward to Munster and Central Council to acquire the funding to get the works done and make it fit for purpose.