Croke Park's state-of-the-art facilities were recently enhanced by the opening of 11 spectator bars and a new players' lounge. The development was carried out by Cavan-based building firm, P Elliott & Co Ltd, and here Contracts Manager Gareth Cooney explains what it entailed. Croke Park recently enhanced its reputation as one of the best stadiums in the world with the opening of 11 spectator bars and a new players' lounge. The opening of the new bars means that for the first time, alcohol is now available to all fans attending matches at the Jones' Road venue. Prior to this year, Croke Park's liquor licence only allowed the GAA to sell alcohol in the Premium level and corporate box sections of the ground. But following a change in legislation, the GAA was granted planning permission to build a series of enclosed bars around the public spaces on Levels four and Seven of the stadium and Hill 16. "This is the first time that alcohol is available to spectators outside the Premium level and corporate box areas," explains Gareth Cooney, Contracts Manager with P Elliott & Co Ltd, who carried out the development. "While we have been involved with the Croke Park redevelopment for the past three years, we only started work on the bars and players' lounge in May. We had approximately 50 staff working long hours to have the new facilities ready for the All-Ireland hurling final between Cork and Galway, and by all accounts, they were well received by spectators and players alike." The drink outlets replaced some of those that previously sold soft drinks and snacks. Five of the bars are located on Level 7 of the Hogan and Cusack Stands, while another two are located on Level 3 of the Hogan. There is one bar each at Gate 401 of the Cusack and Gate 416 Canal Stands and a further two underneath Hill 16. Additional toilets have also been constructed on Level 7 of the Hogan and Cusack Stands. While alcohol is now readily available to all spectators, they are permitted from bringing drinks to their seats or onto Hill 16, as happens in sports stadia in America and Australia. The GAA doesn't envisage the availability of alcohol leading to unruly behaviour among some fans. "We already sell alcohol to 10,700 fans on match days and have not had any problems," says Croke Park Stadium Manager Peter McKenna. "It is already carefully managed and we would not envisage any change. I have seen this operate abroad in Murrayfield, Twickenham and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and it works fine. We hope this will attract people to the stadium early and leave far less chance of last-minute rushes." The new players' lounge is located underneath the Hogan Stand. Also incorporating a restaurant, it is open to players and their families after matches. "The players' lounge is an excellent facility and I'm sure players will get good use out of it for many years to come. Until now, they had their meals and after-match drinks on Premium level," says Gareth, who hails from Ballyjamesduff and has represented Cavan in handball. Despite being the largest construction company in Ulster and ranked among the top 10 building companies in Ireland, P Elliott & Co Ltd was delighted to secure this particular contract, according to Cooney. "This was a very prestigious contract and we were delighted to be awarded it. Croke Park is one of the best stadiums in the world and we are proud to have an association with it. P Elliott & Co Ltd has always had strong connections with the GAA and most of the company's staff are big GAA supporters." Established in 1942, P Elliott & Co. Ltd has grown into one of Ireland's leading construction and property development firms with a turnover for 2005 approaching EUR250 million, a staff of over 250 and a portfolio of construction projects which are testament to the company's success. P Elliott & Co. Ltd boasts a comprehensive portfolio of medium and large scale building projects, right across the commercial, industrial, retail, residential, leisure and public sector spectrums. The company's wide experience reflects its ability to meet any challenge. The original Elliott family business was founded in Cavan by the late Patrick Elliott, the grandfather of the current owners, Noel Jnr, Mark, Darragh and Erica Elliott. That year, he laid the foundation for what was to be the first house built by his company. It wasn't a big contract but, at the time, he saw it as a major challenge which he met with determination and pride. P Elliott & Co Ltd was incorporated as a limited company in 1976 and continues the tradition of personal hands on service, quality workmanship and professionalism while embracing all of the great change which has taken place in construction since the business was formed. Having now entered into the new millennium, P Elliott & Co Ltd can look back on its past with pride and to the future with ever increasing confidence. The aim of P Elliott & Co Ltd is simply to continue with the successful development of the company and to grow it in a controlled and rewarding manner in the years ahead. The key to achieving this aim will lie in continuing to deliver a quality end product for its many clients and to continuously strive towards providing them with a service which is consistently personal, flexible and competitive. Much has changed in the company since its foundation but one thing will always remain the same - its commitment to quality, efficiency and master craftsmanship. P Elliott & Co Ltd's head office is located at Century Business Park, Dublin Road, Cavan. Its Dublin office is located at Plato Business Park, Damastown, Dublin 15 while its Southern office is based on the Limerick Road in Nenagh. Among the recent major contracts P Elliott & Co Ltd has carried out/completed in the Dublin area are Whitestown Way in Tallaght, the Fatima Mansions Redevelopment, Parkwest Pointe and Forbes Quay. Tweet

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