The recently opened Monaghan GAA training centre at Cloghan is the end result of a mammoth amount of hard work by many people. One of the main companies involved in the project was Monaghan Electric. We spoke to company managing director Michael Treanor about what was involved in the project and about the specialised area that his firm dealt with. Monaghan Electrical was formed by Michael and Margaret in 1983. The initial aim of the company was to supply goods and services to local electrical contractors and the Electrical Industry having since expanded to include a panels manufacturing plant in Tyrone, ECS NI Ltd. Their business has expanded to include all parts of Ireland and Northern Ireland. They have two offices located in Plantation Road, Monaghan Town and Ardee Road, Carrickmacross. Monaghan Electrical supply their products and services to a customer base that covers all over the 32 counties and their involvement in the Cloghan project was no surprise such is their standing in the county. The centre consists of five pitches, two of which are floodlit, along with all ancillary facilities in what is a state of the art development. When completed the project will have cost in the region of €2 million. The dressing-rooms and other facilities are now complete; the pitches are in perfect condition and with access from the new Castleblayney bypass making it totally accessible the centre promises to be a hive of activity in the months and years ahead. It is planned to have an official opening some time in the not too distant future. "We were asked to install the flood lighting at the Cloghan facility and with the help of Philips Lighting, who designed the lighting specifically for the GAA, we set about the procedure for installing lights on two of the five pitches," said Michael. "Damien Carragher is the man who deserves the most credit for the installation of the flood lights as he was there all through the procedure and was the one who physically put up the lights, which was no easy task as every light had to be pointed on a particular area of the pitch." With regard to the GAA developments at County level, their extremely congested season now necessitates an extension of the programme beyond the hours of daylight and it is anticipated that Floodlit Leagues will emerge in the not too distant future. At club level, even the smaller clubs are investigating the matter of how their basic lighting needs could be met, for Training and Practice. Most important of all, money is being made available to put lighting in place. There is a common requirement for all outdoor sports activities to ensure best results. Players are the first priority; they must be able to see in comfort to perform to their ability. Referees and match officials must be able to follow the play in comfort to control the game and make accurate decisions. Last but not least there are the spectators who must get to their place in comfort, see the game in comfort and be able to leave in safety and comfort. These many criteria can be interpreted in the context of available International Codes of Practice of comparable Sports and therefore suitable criteria of illuminance, uniformities and performance can be accorded the many different needs involved. Philips commissioned a study of the Lighting requirements of GAA Sports needs to ensure an authoritative and knowledgeable approach to this important emerging market. The study was undertaken to establish the criteria to be applied for the various levels required. No other similar work has been undertaken. "Philips have worked alongside the GAA in designing the perfect lighting for matches and training facilities. One of the pitches at Cloghan has had lights installed that are for training purposes alone, while the second pitch can be used for matches and is at the standard set out by Philips and the GAA," revealed Michael. The design also covers the mounting arrangements and the aiming angles required for each and every projector. Aiming floodlights accurately is critical if the uniformities set are to be met and spill light kept to an absolute minimum. Monaghan Electric provides this specialist aiming commissioning service on completion of the installation, before the necessary tower facilities are removed from site. "Lamppost Construction manufactured the poles initially and then the pitches were laid before the lights were then put up, which was a very complex task indeed," stressed Michael. "Philips has designed a computerised design package so that the lighting is aimed at the right place and it was a slow procedure, but thankfully the end product has been successful." Monaghan Electric employs 50 and has been involved in many projects involving GAA clubs around the county including the erection of floodlights at Corduff and Ballybay GAA grounds. Specialising in Industrial and Commercial lighting, the company's reputation precedes them on a nationwide base and they provide lighting to suit any environment and accommodate the customer's every need. Some of the products that Monaghan Electric includes at their branches are Megaman energy saving lights, Milwaukee power tools, Caterpillar and Snickers work clothing; Ensto and Triton products just to name a few. Michael is also an avid GAA follower and is involved with the Truagh club all his life. The club are currently raising funds for development work at their grounds and have begun raising funds through a development draw. The fortunes of Monaghan footballers are also close to Michael's heart and he admits that the 2006 campaign was a disappointing season for the county. "It was disappointing to see the footballers relegated as they had played well in some matches. There are plenty of talented footballers in the county and hopefully they can produce the goods next year. "The draw for the Ulster championship gives them a great chance of qualifying for a provincial final at least and it would be great to see some more success in the county as the supporters certainly deserve that," concluded Mickey. Tweet

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