Banner chief says €80m Cusack Park offer ‘pure speculation’
Clare County Board chairman Michael McDonagh described the figure as “pure speculation”.
Said McDonagh: “What’s in the papers is pure speculation. There is no substance to the figures being mentioned ... unless, of course, they know more than the county board.
“Officially the only thing that I can say is that the closing date for receipt of submissions for Cusack Park was last Friday, June 30.
“Those submissions, and I don’t know how many there are, are sealed and are in the hands of a firm of solicitors appointed by the board.
“They will be looked at over the next two weeks by a sub committee which was appointed by the county board some time ago. It could take a couple of months to go through them in minute detail.
“If those submissions are not satisfactory to the sub committee, they will not be brought back to the county board.
“If they are, then the intention is to put them before a full county board meeting and let the clubs of the county decide whether we should or should not sell Cusack Park.
“Media talk on how many submissions have been received and the mention of figures in excess of €80m is pure speculation on their part and is not helpful to the Clare County Board.”
Under new directives from Croke Park, no GAA property can be sold without the full backing of the provincial and central councils.
Meanwhile Limerick’s Kilmallock GAA club members are set to decide on the future of their playing facility, Fitzgerald Park, located in the heart of the city.
Chairman Michael Fitzgerald, whose late father John was commemorated in the naming of the ground, confirmed an offer had been made by a developer to sell their substantial land bank, which is the second county ground after the Gaelic Grounds.
The developer is reported to have offered another site nearby with cash.
Fitzgerald confirmed the club held several meetings to discuss the offer.
“This is serious business … our problem is that we have just one playing field, and with such a large number of teams could do with more. It is for our membership to decide.”
However, one club official and former player, who asked not to be named, has appealed to members to turn down any offer made.
“From what I have heard, we are to get over €2m if the deal goes ahead, and a large slice of land not too far away. We are also told that the businessman involved has promised to develop a new ground.
“Fitzgerald Park is very much part of Limerick’s GAA tradition and is the second county venue for major fixtures. It is in the middle of the town, and that is what appeals to the developer. Building land is very scarce here. The better option as far as I am concerned is to keep it ourselves and buy land to develop an amenity for our underage players.”
He claimed members were split on the issue. “A sizeable number are in favour of the proposal but then there are also those against the idea. It is something we must not be rushed into. All would appear to hinge on next week’s meeting.”
