Clarke’s criticism of McHale Park surface rejected

RECENT criticism of the playing surface at McHale Park, Castlebar has been disputed by both the sports ground contractor who maintains the pitch and Mayo GAA chiefs.

Down footballer Martin Clarke said earlier this month that, ‘it was one of the worst grounds I’ve ever played at, it was nothing but sand’ while there were also concerns expressed about the surface in some newspaper reports after last Sunday’s NFL match between Mayo and Kerry.

However, Peter Killeen of Killeen Sports Grounds has defended the McHale Park sod, and has asked observers to reserve judgement until later in the season.

“I visited the ground last week and I was very happy with the pitch, especially considering that there were three matches played under lights there during January and early February, all in bad weather,” he explained.

“Frost has also had an effect on the top layer of the pitch so, of course, there was some remedial wok required.

“But, overall, I’m very happy with the surface. It’s also been fertilised since last week so people won’t know the pitch in a month’s time.”

Mayo GAA chairman, Paddy McNicholas, also believes there is no case to answer. “I don’t think it’s a big issue. We’re aware of Martin Clarke’s comments but, to be honest, nothing has been said to us by any of the Mayo players or management about problems with the surface.”

Killeen Sports Grounds began implementing a pitch development programme in Castlebar that was drawn up by agronomist, Colman Warde, last spring.

Killeen added: “We’re in year one of a programme that is designed to bring the pitch up to the standard we want. We started this process last spring and the consensus would be that the pitch was transformed last summer. It will be even better again in the months ahead.”