Thurles clash still a special occasion, insist Tipp officials
“To be honest, we put that completely out of our mind,’’ commented the chairman of the stadium committee Con Hogan.
“Our attitude was that we’d prepare in the best possible manner, that we would publicise the event to the maximum extent possible and to be prepared for whatever happens on the night,’’ he said yesterday. “There are events we can’t control and there is no point in us trying to.’’
He pointed out that apart from a very positive response from the public within Tipperary, juvenile clubs in a number of counties — including Cork — will be bringing youth groups to Thurles for the evening.
“It will be a celebration of the completion of three years of work to upgrade the stadium. I suppose the switching on of the lights will be symbolic of a new era in the life of the stadium.’’
Pointing out that Tipperary people have always seen it as ‘their special duty’ to maintain Thurles as a major GAA venue, Hogan said that the current management committee was guided by the same ideals and vision which inspired the purchase of the stadium.
“The project was a major one, necessitating detailed planning and major financial outlay and it was completed on time — and on budget — at a cost of €18 million,” he said.
Both stands were upgraded, incorporating new player, referee, medical, event management, toilet and spectator facilities. Also, modern turnstiles were installed and ticket booths — linked by broadband to the Association’s national ticketing system — were built on the approaches to the grounds.
A new multi-purpose sports building is another feature of the redevelopment. It’s used as a sports hall during school hours and by GAA units at other times. “This is a unique partnership between Semple Stadium and Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed,’’ he commented.
*The GAA will hold a Central Council meeting in Hayes Hotel at 2.30pm as part of their 125 year celebrations.
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