Thornton Sports have been building artificial pitches for sports clubs in Ireland since the 1980s. With the use of these surfaces growing all the time in Ireland, the firm has seized the opportunity to develop itself. Now a new surface in Dunganny, Co. Meath, is one of its main undertakings. Under Managing Director Paul Copage, Thornton Sports has developed into a very successful and highly-regarded name in the Irish sports construction industry. Marketing and Development Manager Dick Ridge said that the company managed to fill a gap in the Irish market. "We are widely-recognised as a one-stop shop. We have the in-house capability to bring a project from a green field site to a turnkey completion using our highly-trained team of employees. "As required, we call on other competent contractors to compliment our work with lighting and fencing. These essential elements are installed under the watchful eye of our site engineers," he says. At the moment Thornton Sports are working on several synthetic projects, one of which is the development of a full-size synthetic pitch at the Meath GAA Centre of Excellence in Dunganny. The plan is to have the project completed by March 2007. Work began with stripping the site, installing the drainage system and preparing the foundation. "We are thrilled to be involved in the Dunganny project. It is our biggest project this year and we are working hard to ensure that it goes well for us. "We have spent the last four years researching and developing a product range which best suits Gaelic games and are delighted to have such a venue to show them off," says Dick. Dunganny is a prime example of the professional way the GAA are developing strategically-placed centres to enhance training throughout the country. The inclusion of a full-size pitch will give this amenity increased possibilities and relieve the pressure on the natural grass pitches at the venue. Currently there are three sand-based pitches in Dunganny, which are seeing plenty of use. Dick explained that there are a variety of synthetic surfaces available on the market today. Most developed with other sports in mind such as hockey and soccer. However some do not offer the GAA a sports-scientific alternative for football and hurling. It was with this in mind that Thornton Sports put together a research and development team to establish the wants and needs of the association and produce a GAA-specific alternative. The crucial tests were the roll and bounce of the ball, the feel of the surface under foot and the effect on players during contact. The surface passed the test. "The synthetic grasses we have developed for hurling and Gaelic football respond perfectly to ball bounce, roll and satisfy player expectations of a competitive playing surface. To ensure that the Meath County Board are 100% satisfied, we are installing three test areas so they can select one that will fully satisfy their expectations. "We like to go that extra bit further to ensure our clients not only have a surface to be proud of, but also have the training and support to maintain it. Like most things, synthetic pitches can remain trouble-free as long as they are maintained. We offer our clients a full day's training and annual service." Dick's own role is to be the first point of contact with clients. There is always a challenge and he takes immense satisfaction from his work. "I liaise with clients and assist them when considering a synthetic pitch to help them understand the pros and cons of such a development. Working in the sports construction industry has given me an ideal opportunity to mix with like-minded people who are passionate about their sport. I travel extensively and I am always impressed with the work and effort that is being carried out throughout the country where sport is concerned." "It is not, unrealistic in my opinion, to believe we will see competitive Gaelic football and hurling being played on fully-synthetic surfaces in the future," he says. "Clubs are investing a considerable amount of time and money on pitches. We have received a notable increase in enquiries concerning the development of synthetic pitches and it is likely they will become the standard club facility of the future." "There is an unavoidable conflict within clubs: on the one hand they want young members to use their facilities and on the other they want them in top playing condition. The clubs I have spoken to will tell you how frustrating it is to spend time and energy repeatedly replacing turf in the goalmouths. Synthetics are a solution that many clubs are considering and one we feel will prove very popular with groundsmen and users alike. "In 2005 we carried out a survey, asking over 100 GAA clubs which area was creating the greatest problem for them. The response was overwhelming: maintaining goalmouths to a proper standard has become virtually impossible. Thornton Sports are in the process of putting in a Cúl Glas synthetic goalmouth system in at St Rynagh's GAA in Banagher, Co. Offaly that has followed on from the success of a Cul Glas system installed at Portumna GAA grounds. Overall then, Thornton Sports are kept very busy. With inclement weather during the winter months and with the increase in demand for synthetic playing surfaces, it looks set to continue that way. For further information you can visit www.thorntonsports.ie or contact them Freephone 1890 2000 62 or at [email protected] CLICK HERE TO VISIT THORNTON SPORTS WEBSITE THORNTON SPORTS Tweet

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