National Forum

Wexford Hurling thread 2024

(Oldest Posts First) - Go To The Latest Post


Replying To Pikeman96:  ""Eventually" means hopefully within the next 12 months or so. Possibly over the winter when the ground is not being used much, or even at all.

It was said at Co. Board earlier this year that the plan had been to attach individual plastic seats (not fold-down/bucket seats like in the stand) to the tops of the concrete benches that are already there. Then it was discovered that some sort of Health & Safety consideration meant that doing this would make the seats too high from the ground. You'd surely only be talking about a couple of inches, but that's H&S for you.

As I understand it, what they're going to have to do now is remove all those old concrete benches, replace them with something else, and then attach the new plastic seating to the new benches. A far bigger and indeed far more expensive job.

I don't have this as gospel. It's just my understanding of it."
Would they be as well to make that stand a covered terrace and remove all seating? Nowlan Park have one behind the goal and it's fine, Ennis has one side the same. I don't know how those concrete benches pass any H&S inspection, absolutely lethal for kids falling off them and getting nasty cuts.

Timbertony (Wexford) - Posts: 308 - 07/08/2024 09:12:27    2564120

Link

Will they still go ahead with the seats for the openside if its going to cost more to do? I think it would look really well and probably something that should have been done a long time ago anyway.

Has the County board ever looked into putting a roof on the openside? I know perhaps planning would be an issue as its so close to the road and potentially residence could complain if it affects there lighting etc... but it would be fantastic if they could do it.

logger (Wexford) - Posts: 298 - 07/08/2024 09:24:52    2564121

Link

Replying To logger:  "Will they still go ahead with the seats for the openside if its going to cost more to do? I think it would look really well and probably something that should have been done a long time ago anyway.

Has the County board ever looked into putting a roof on the openside? I know perhaps planning would be an issue as its so close to the road and potentially residence could complain if it affects there lighting etc... but it would be fantastic if they could do it."
The original plane had two covered stands and terraces in the corners as well.

I doubt they'd cover it though. Space is very limited as it is.

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 3198 - 07/08/2024 10:16:30    2564125

Link

Replying To Doylerwex:  "The original plane had two covered stands and terraces in the corners as well.

I doubt they'd cover it though. Space is very limited as it is."
Would have to be a bus shelter style cantilever roof.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14052 - 07/08/2024 15:48:37    2564175

Link

Replying To Timbertony:  "Would they be as well to make that stand a covered terrace and remove all seating? Nowlan Park have one behind the goal and it's fine, Ennis has one side the same. I don't know how those concrete benches pass any H&S inspection, absolutely lethal for kids falling off them and getting nasty cuts."
Just my opinion, but I think removing seating to replace it with more standing space would be a backward step for any ground, not just Wexford Park.

And of all the people I know who prefer to sit on the open side if it's a sunny day, there are quite a few who I doubt would be willing to stand there instead, for 90 minutes or more.

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 2630 - 07/08/2024 21:53:51    2564202

Link

Replying To Pikeman96:  "Just my opinion, but I think removing seating to replace it with more standing space would be a backward step for any ground, not just Wexford Park.

And of all the people I know who prefer to sit on the open side if it's a sunny day, there are quite a few who I doubt would be willing to stand there instead, for 90 minutes or more."
I like standing at games. Parnell has a standing side which is far worse than what Wexford Park could be if that open side was covered and standing it could create a great atmosphere.
But spending more money on facilities while coaching suffers is not money well spent.

ExiledInWex (Dublin) - Posts: 1260 - 08/08/2024 10:21:07    2564228

Link

Replying To ExiledInWex:  "I like standing at games. Parnell has a standing side which is far worse than what Wexford Park could be if that open side was covered and standing it could create a great atmosphere.
But spending more money on facilities while coaching suffers is not money well spent."
We're polar opposites, then. Anytime I'm in the stand in Parnell Park and looking across to the other side, I think "it's a wonder they wouldn't put seats there".

Not sure what exactly you mean by your last line, but if it's a suggestion that the money being spent on Wexford Park should be spent on coaching instead -- it seems that's not actually possible.

The Chairman has previously explained how the money for Wexford Park was secured under an application to the "Immigrant Investor Programme" that was specifically for Wexford Park, and this means the money has to be spent there. It can't be diverted to anything else.

Occurs to me though how that actually ties in with what you say. It means Wexford GAA doesn't have to spend any of "its own" money on the Park, and can put it to coaching or other things instead. The money for the works in the Park comes from a different and separate fund.

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 2630 - 08/08/2024 11:54:55    2564242

Link

Replying To Pikeman96:  "We're polar opposites, then. Anytime I'm in the stand in Parnell Park and looking across to the other side, I think "it's a wonder they wouldn't put seats there".

Not sure what exactly you mean by your last line, but if it's a suggestion that the money being spent on Wexford Park should be spent on coaching instead -- it seems that's not actually possible.

The Chairman has previously explained how the money for Wexford Park was secured under an application to the "Immigrant Investor Programme" that was specifically for Wexford Park, and this means the money has to be spent there. It can't be diverted to anything else.

Occurs to me though how that actually ties in with what you say. It means Wexford GAA doesn't have to spend any of "its own" money on the Park, and can put it to coaching or other things instead. The money for the works in the Park comes from a different and separate fund."
I think the problem with seats in Parnell is there is too big a gap to what would be the first few rows. They would not fit too many rows in in reality and more people can stand than can sit. It doesn't add to the atmosphere there but 20-25 or whatever many rows there are in Wexford Park with a roof over it would create a much better atmosphere. I often find the sun nice but the atmosphere lacking on the open side there.
I did not know about the investment situation but I it is good to hear they are spending money on us Wexican immigrants! Honestly though thanks for that info.

ExiledInWex (Dublin) - Posts: 1260 - 08/08/2024 14:06:08    2564267

Link

Replying To ExiledInWex:  "
Replying To Pikeman96:  "We're polar opposites, then. Anytime I'm in the stand in Parnell Park and looking across to the other side, I think "it's a wonder they wouldn't put seats there".

Not sure what exactly you mean by your last line, but if it's a suggestion that the money being spent on Wexford Park should be spent on coaching instead -- it seems that's not actually possible.

The Chairman has previously explained how the money for Wexford Park was secured under an application to the "Immigrant Investor Programme" that was specifically for Wexford Park, and this means the money has to be spent there. It can't be diverted to anything else.

Occurs to me though how that actually ties in with what you say. It means Wexford GAA doesn't have to spend any of "its own" money on the Park, and can put it to coaching or other things instead. The money for the works in the Park comes from a different and separate fund."
I think the problem with seats in Parnell is there is too big a gap to what would be the first few rows. They would not fit too many rows in in reality and more people can stand than can sit. It doesn't add to the atmosphere there but 20-25 or whatever many rows there are in Wexford Park with a roof over it would create a much better atmosphere. I often find the sun nice but the atmosphere lacking on the open side there.
I did not know about the investment situation but I it is good to hear they are spending money on us Wexican immigrants! Honestly though thanks for that info."
From being based in Dublin it's pretty clear that Dublin do Not invest in their facilities at all. They have no Centre of Excellence and Parnell is a poor enough ground. They don't have to as they can benefit from Abnotstwon and Croker as well as DCU while Wexford and other counties have to try get grants etc which I presume take plenty of time to secure.

The coaching situation is even worse as Dublin get €1 million a year from Croke Park for coaching and the clubs pay the rest so Co Board really invest very little. I would imagine that Wexford Co board may even spend more of their money on coaching than Dublin.

wexfordwin (Wexford) - Posts: 188 - 09/08/2024 12:56:04    2564383

Link

@wexfordwin - That's a whole other can of worms :)

But yes, it's occurred to me several times over the years that there's a certain inequity when Dublin can get away with investing so little into development and maintenance of facilities, relative to so many other counties.

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 2630 - 09/08/2024 13:44:02    2564394

Link

Following the Oylegate U14s this year. They played Young Irelands of Gowran on Monday, made 11 substitutions in second half and still won by 30 odd points. The played O Loughlin Gaels last night and beat them by 7 points. Both are Division 1 in Kilkenny with O'Loughlin Gaels the top of the D1. Though I'd share as it's not often you'd beat two Kilkenny club teams in the one week!

WEX98 (Wexford) - Posts: 474 - 10/08/2024 10:55:18    2564511

Link

Replying To WEX98:  "Following the Oylegate U14s this year. They played Young Irelands of Gowran on Monday, made 11 substitutions in second half and still won by 30 odd points. The played O Loughlin Gaels last night and beat them by 7 points. Both are Division 1 in Kilkenny with O'Loughlin Gaels the top of the D1. Though I'd share as it's not often you'd beat two Kilkenny club teams in the one week!"
That's a very good u14 team you have. They were excellent in the Rackard League too, so should be good next year as well. How do you get the lads to be as vocal on the pitch as they are? Great communicators!

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14052 - 10/08/2024 17:40:53    2564545

Link

Is anyone alive after Fleadh??

Leinster just got a little more challenging next year with Donohue going to Galway and Davy to Antrim.

wexfordwin (Wexford) - Posts: 188 - 13/08/2024 07:21:35    2564861

Link

Replying To wexfordwin:  "Is anyone alive after Fleadh??

Leinster just got a little more challenging next year with Donohue going to Galway and Davy to Antrim."
Agree, and yet we still have relegation while Munster do not while we also facilate Galway and Antrim.

wexford2012 (Wexford) - Posts: 88 - 13/08/2024 10:19:45    2564899

Link

Replying To wexfordwin:  "Is anyone alive after Fleadh??

Leinster just got a little more challenging next year with Donohue going to Galway and Davy to Antrim."
You want it to be more challenging. Everybody needs to up their game in Leinster.

StoreysTash (Wexford) - Posts: 1786 - 15/08/2024 15:22:29    2565283

Link

Replying To wexfordwin:  "Is anyone alive after Fleadh??

Leinster just got a little more challenging next year with Donohue going to Galway and Davy to Antrim."
Fleadh was great craic in fairness.

It's great for Antrim and good for the championship overall. We were well warned and there'll be no gimmies next year.

Our ambition should be a Leinster final but it will be much more difficult than last year. That said I think we'll improve.

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 3198 - 15/08/2024 20:34:19    2565335

Link

Replying To StoreysTash:  "You want it to be more challenging. Everybody needs to up their game in Leinster."
For sure. It has to get more challenging so the teams coming out of Leinster are better equipped to beat the teams coming out of Munster.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14052 - 16/08/2024 10:57:51    2565415

Link

Sean o Brien received a minor all star. Well done to him hopefully he can build on that next season as he is still minor. According to my dad and brother he is flying for the club aswell

Wexfordgaa (Wexford) - Posts: 317 - 16/08/2024 11:04:31    2565416

Link

Replying To Wexfordgaa:  "Sean o Brien received a minor all star. Well done to him hopefully he can build on that next season as he is still minor. According to my dad and brother he is flying for the club aswell"
Sean is an unbelievable talent, the sky is the limit for him.

Past hurler (None) - Posts: 827 - 16/08/2024 11:40:29    2565428

Link

Replying To wexfordwin:  "
Replying To ExiledInWex:  "[quote=Pikeman96:  "We're polar opposites, then. Anytime I'm in the stand in Parnell Park and looking across to the other side, I think "it's a wonder they wouldn't put seats there".

Not sure what exactly you mean by your last line, but if it's a suggestion that the money being spent on Wexford Park should be spent on coaching instead -- it seems that's not actually possible.

The Chairman has previously explained how the money for Wexford Park was secured under an application to the "Immigrant Investor Programme" that was specifically for Wexford Park, and this means the money has to be spent there. It can't be diverted to anything else.

Occurs to me though how that actually ties in with what you say. It means Wexford GAA doesn't have to spend any of "its own" money on the Park, and can put it to coaching or other things instead. The money for the works in the Park comes from a different and separate fund."
I think the problem with seats in Parnell is there is too big a gap to what would be the first few rows. They would not fit too many rows in in reality and more people can stand than can sit. It doesn't add to the atmosphere there but 20-25 or whatever many rows there are in Wexford Park with a roof over it would create a much better atmosphere. I often find the sun nice but the atmosphere lacking on the open side there.
I did not know about the investment situation but I it is good to hear they are spending money on us Wexican immigrants! Honestly though thanks for that info."
From being based in Dublin it's pretty clear that Dublin do Not invest in their facilities at all. They have no Centre of Excellence and Parnell is a poor enough ground. They don't have to as they can benefit from Abnotstwon and Croker as well as DCU while Wexford and other counties have to try get grants etc which I presume take plenty of time to secure.

The coaching situation is even worse as Dublin get €1 million a year from Croke Park for coaching and the clubs pay the rest so Co Board really invest very little. I would imagine that Wexford Co board may even spend more of their money on coaching than Dublin."]I am a bit out of the loop on this one but last I heard was they bought Hollistown Golf Club and Spawell Par 3 golf course in Templeogue to provide centres of excellence north and south of the river?
No disrespect but it is a lot cheaper to buy farmland in Ferns than to buy it inside the M50, albeit I accept Dublin do much better on sponsorship deals than Wexford might.
There was talk back when they bought Spawell it would be developed in to a 20k stadium and Parnell sold. Given Parnell its a nuisance to get to and some prime development land it might prove not a huge financial burden. But maybe construction price inflation has put paid to that, I don't know.
One thing I will always commend Wexford and their clubs on is the superb facilities, I can't remember the last time I went to a ground in Wexford with poor facilities.
Time now to start delivering on the pitch with those facilities now.

ExiledInWex (Dublin) - Posts: 1260 - 16/08/2024 15:15:44    2565467

Link