Let there be light

ESB Contracts is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the perceived need for more floodlighting facilities within the realms of gaelic games.

En route to winning the Comortas B title in 1998, Monaghan had the distinction of contesting the first competitive intercounty match to be played under floodlights, it being played against Longford on Tuesday October 6th at Castleblayney. There are many who believe that floodlit football is the way forward for the GAA. They could have a case.

Monaghan isn't the only county where floodlit football became more prevalent in 1998. In Kildare, an unprecedented fixtures backlog resulted from the Lilywhites' extended run in the All-Ireland series and it was decided that the best option was to play a number of games under floodlights at Allenwood.

This was a great success and reports suggest that the whole exercise was very positively received by players and supporters alike. The Short Grass County also has what Seamus Aldridge describes as "the best floodlit facilities in the country" at Hawkfield. Another good floodlit venue is Gracefield in Offaly.
Are we likely to see more and more matches played under lights in the future? The simple answer is yes. It's an obvious solution to a growing problem. The alternative is to condense most of the season into the summer months, when the evenings are longer . . . but this would result in a prolonged period of inactivity over the winter.

We will almost certainly see floodlit GAA matches become increasingly popular over the next few years. The question marks surround the possible extent of these matches. Will it be restricted to All-Ireland B and local club championship games - or is there potential there to bring the whole thing further? How far can the GAA take this relatively new concept? Could we have evening NFL games? What about the club championships?

There are a number of arguments both for and against the use of floodlights. These will all be considered carefully before any decisions are made high up in the Corridors of Power. When that decision is eventually made, the end result will - more likely than not - lead to more floodlit games being played. Michael Perse, Senior Lighting Specialist with ESB Contracts, is watching developments with more than a passing interest.

In existence for over 50 years, ESB Contracts is the electrical contracting wing of ESB, specialising in high-voltage, medium-voltage and low-voltage electrical installation work, including public lighting and sports lighting. With highly trained staff under a Contracts Manager in each of its ten strategically-located regional offices throughout the country - and having already done quite a bit of work in the specialist field of floodlighting (including the aforementioned well-appointed Gracefield venue) - ESB Contracts is in the ideal situation to provide the GAA with its floodlighting requirements if and when the need arises.

"We've done some floodlighting work over the years and have subsequently had discussions with various clubs," Michael notes. "With our highly trained staff located nationwide, including lighting design specialists, we're in the unique position of being able to go out and install lighting anywhere in the 26 counties. Floodlighting for GAA clubs is something that seems to raise its head every now and again. Personally, I think it'ssomething the GAA will require eventually - even if only for practise games and training."

ESB Contracts is Ireland's leading specialist supplier of lighting and offers a complete package - design, installation and maintenance. For example, the company designed the lighting it installed at Newbridge and Gracefield.

"There are three classes of floodlighting," explains Michael. "The first would be relatively low level lighting for training. The second is a higher standard for playing matches and the third is for colour tv and requires a very high level of lighting. So, it all depends on exactly what the customer needs. Regardless of the requirements, ESB Contracts can provide to exact specifications.

"In as far as is possible, we use local suppliers. For example, Lampost Construction Company Ltd. in Greenore manufacture the actual poles for our floodlighting." Access is obviously very important. To this end, folding poles or hinged poles can be provided or you can order ladder bars to enable maintenance crews to actually climb the poles.

In looking at user requirements, Michael identifies three parties who must be taken into consideration when floodlights are being installed: "First, you have to think of the players and insure their comfort and safety.

Secondly, you have the technical staff - referees and match officials.

Then, you have the spectators, be they watching, arriving at or leaving the grounds. You have to be able to provide for their safety as well. Some light will have to spill over, but not too much. You can't have glare or dazzle disturbing players, spectators or, indeed, passing traffic."

Michael cites heights of between 12 metres and 20 metres . . . and much higher again for colour tv requirements. Height, light distribution and colour are all crucial factors, he stresses.

"Also", he continues, "there is the added bonus of the unique atmosphere which is more focused and more intimate. Everybody is focusing on what's going on on the pitch and there are no peripheral distractions.

"The way things are going, I think most GAA counties are going to soon need floodlit facilities. It gives everybody so many added options and means that GAA members will no longer be restricted in when they can play their matches."

When the time comes, ESB Contracts will - if required - be ready to play its part in helping open this new avenue of possibility.

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