According to Phil Smith, Chairman of Cavan Co. Board G.A.A. the Board is to continue further development at Kingspan-Breffni Park this year. He also added that work at the grounds will continue apace. The postponement of a number of league fixtures last week-end has further strenghened the case for more all-weather pitches in the county. With widespread rain on Friday and Saturday compounding the state of pitches across the county, a number of second round fixtures fell victim to the elements. With news of Cavan GAA's plan to establish a full-sized all-weather pitch at the rear of Kingspan Breffni Park, any moves by individual clubs to upgrade their pitches to all-weather arenas are sure to receive a sympathetic hearing from the GAA in the future. While Mullahoran and Kingscourt Stars have led the way in the business of floodlights, it remains to be seen which clubs in the county, if any, will be prepared to invest in much-needed, full-sized, all-weather facilities". A lot of money has been invested by clubs in Cavan, including Ballymachugh, who were among the first clubs to play games under lights, as well as that the investment into drainage and re-seeding work in recent years by clubs in general, makes the need for all-weather pitches in an increasingly changing climate all the more pressing. Ironically the latest fixtures to fall foul of the weather comes hot on the heels of news of Cavan Co Board's plans for Breffni Park. A facility which can be used by all 40 clubs at any time of the year is sure to prove a massive boon, not only to the clubs in particular who have just one playing field but also to the county board. And in the days of rising expenses, the possibility of the proposed new facility at Breffni Park being rented out to non-Cavan GAA concerns must be seen as a lucrative income earner. Co. Board Chairman Phil Smith said; "The facilities will be greatly enhanced in the latter part of this year by the establishment of a full-length Astroturf pitch, fully floodlit and open seven days a week all year round. We would anticipate a great demand from clubs right across the length and breadth of the county to use the facility because of the fact that it will be playable in all weathers. "It will be located at the rear of the covered stand and car park and should prove to be a massive addition to our headquarters and also valuable help for training purposes to clubs right throughout the county". The decision to push ahead with the installation of an Astro turf facility is a major expansion of their ongoing works at their HQ over the last five years in particular during which time floodlighting and extensive terracing have been added. The Chairman said the future plans will see the Co Board applying for top national and provincial fixtures during the next few months. "The marketing viability of the stadium is tremendous and we will continue to develop the commercial opportunities as they arise". He complimented the 40 clubs for providing top-class facilities and those who had floodlighting where games could be played, Mullahoran, Ballymachugh and Kingscourt, to name but three. The Co. Board hope that finance received by Central Council arising from the rent from the soccer and rugby internationals will help boost plans for further development at Breffni Park. It has been mentioned that approximately §1m directly linked to the income derived from the renting out of Croke Park, has been earmarked for county ground improvements work. Tweet

Most Read Stories