Blackrock RFC and Cuala to share grounds

A landmark ground-sharing deal between Blackrock College RFC and Cuala GAA club could be the start of a new trend according to one of the people behind the deal.

The executives of both clubs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a multi-sport facility at the rugby club’s Stradbrook grounds. For Cuala secretary Declan Murray, it could be the start of a new era of cooperation between sporting bodies in urban areas.

“Yeah I think it could be the start of a trend,” he said last night.

“It’s like any business. If something is suitable for all sides it’d be ludicrous not to do it. Some rugby clubs and sports clubs developed big sports facilities in the boom times but when it went quiet they needed money to keep going.”

The agreement plan includes the development of a fenced all-weather playing facility, general pitch upgrades, floodlight installation and the provision of a new gym which will cost in the region of €2m-3m. Cuala will also purchase land at the rear of Blackrock to develop an all-weather pitch.

The proposed symbiotic relationship must be finalised over the coming four to five weeks before being presented to both clubs’ members for approval. From there it is expected to be sent to the IRFU and GAA for permission which, if given, could open the way for more deals of this nature.

“It made much more sense to us. Look at where we’re located in Blackrock. We won’t find five, six, seven acres going cheap. The land here is fairly well priced,” said Murray.

“It seemed to us, based on our catchment area, to make perfect sense. Were growing all the time and we needed more space. These pitches will be in our heartland and allow us continue our growth spurt.”