Replying To DuhallowRed:  "I just wonder would it be more sensible for Connacht Rugby and Galway share Pearse Stadium, it would benefit Galway with Connacht paying rent"

Replying To yew_tree:  "I've often wondered why we have not invested in an indoor stadium or 2 in this country....the weather is absolute crap most of the year.

And before someone mentions the Prenty Bowel in Bekan which is currently being built, vanity project yes and money would have been better spent elsewhere but it will be interesting to see it in operation."

Replying To Soma:  "Pearse Stadium is far too big for Connacht rugby, despite some posters on here telling you that everyone in Connacht is a massive supporter of them their average attendance last season was less than 6000 so a 28000 capacity stadium would be no good. Its why the new sportsground will only increase capacity by 4000, despite the €30m spend. Planning permission to install floodlights at Pearse Stadium has been in place since 2014 but the county board have had no money to spend on it so its likely to be next year before they are up.
There have been lots of strange comments on this topic but I see someone said that they like the Sportsground because fans are right on the pitch - it's the only ground in the world iv been to where there is a dog track between the pitch and the supporters."

Replying To Soma:  "Pearse Stadium is far too big for Connacht rugby, despite some posters on here telling you that everyone in Connacht is a massive supporter of them their average attendance last season was less than 6000 so a 28000 capacity stadium would be no good. Its why the new sportsground will only increase capacity by 4000, despite the €30m spend. Planning permission to install floodlights at Pearse Stadium has been in place since 2014 but the county board have had no money to spend on it so its likely to be next year before they are up.
There have been lots of strange comments on this topic but I see someone said that they like the Sportsground because fans are right on the pitch - it's the only ground in the world iv been to where there is a dog track between the pitch and the supporters."

Replying To KillingFields:  "There isnt much space to add considerable more capacity and remain on college road without dogs moving which they're not.
It's far from only ground with a track of any kind between pitch and fans and that doesnt cause lack of atmosphere at games.
And speaking as someone who has attended a lot of games the past 5 years or so in the sportsground if there were a lot more seats and covered seats at that then attendances would increase considerably as many will not attend when theyve to stand at college road/bohermore ends"

Replying To Mayonman:  "The Sportsground is a great location and gets plenty of use. IMO (and I am a dreamer) I would have loved to see a roof on it and it being used for even more stuff. I hope it doesn't lose its atmosphere..... even though it is a bit of a kip it is great craic and u are right on the pitch. Delighted the re development is only to 12000 capacity. Nothing like a full stadium.

Pearse stadium could learn a bit about match day experience from them. Easy get food, coffee, a pint etc. Good day out.

I agree with sharing facilities where possible but i don't think it is viable in Galway. In any case we should probably be selling Pearse (can of worms just opened!) and re investing in Tuam. What are the dimensions of a GAA pitch v a rugby pitch. Could you play GAA in the Sportsground i.e. would it fit?

On the general topic, sport is way underfunded in this country. Sport addresses so many of society's ills before they become ills. But i think that is the problem, too many uneducated key board warriors make statements like why are u spending on sport when we have crime or homelessness etc. Money spent on sport helps avoid issues into the future..... but from a political point of view it is much more advantageous to be seen putting a fire out than doing the boring stuff like proper integrated planning for society into the future."

Replying To moc.dna:  "There could have been floodlights long before, but when a Senior Garda in 2010 asked both the GAA & Galway City Council to investigate a forged signature, it was delayed, another example of incompetence & of course nobody knew how the signature got there or who signed it. Dog tracks, athletic tracks, all part of multi use stadiums that benefit many, unlike the white elephant GAA stadiums that only see capacity once or twice a year. They wouldn't even let local clubs play underage finals in Pearse Stadium for years, it's becoming obvious there is lots of sour grapes from the dinosaurs supporting Galway GAA over the €30 Million given to Connacht Rugby. Complaining about money given to rugby when the GAA couldn't even handle gate money or run their own show without massive financial irregularities."