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.

“Six weeks is the minimum time needed for any pitch to recover at this time of year and that’s with good, normal weather conditions. Even in fine, dry weather in May or June, a pitch would need about four weeks to be right.

“But the weather recently with the amount of frost we’ve been having since early January has made it impossible for the grass to grow properly. That’s left pitches all over the country in a very bad state and unfortunately that ended up affecting Sunday’s match.

“It was a problem for players on both sides when it came to controlling the ball and picking it up. But hopefully if the weather picks up, the pitch should be in a lot better state in a few weeks.”