Weather hampered pitch recovery

THE recent cold weather meant it was impossible for the Páirc Uí Chaoimh pitch to recover in time for Sunday’s NHL Division One clash between Cork and Kilkenny, according to Bob O’Keeffe of Ashfields Sports Ltd, whose company carried out major work on the surface six weeks ago.

Players on both sides struggled with the adverse pitch in Sunday’s game, but O’Keeffe insists the weather conditions have prevented the grass from growing properly.

“We carried out major work in Páirc Uí Chaoimh about six weeks ago. That involved sanding, fertilising and drainage work. We put in sand slits as well and after all that work, the pitch needs time to recover.