Standout stand with its own special tree

To Roscommon GAA folk it is a unique feature they have become well accustomed to.

For outsiders, however, the reaction is always the same. Bewilderment.

Michael Glaveys chairman Tom Ruane laughs when asked to explain the tree occupying the centre of the stand at their club grounds in Ballinlough.

Even more bemusing is the large hole in the roof of the stand, ending any confusion as to which came first, the tree or the terrace.

Ruane notes the decision to construct the stand around the tree was the brainchild of local engineer Sean Healy.

“We were lucky enough to secure that property which used to be an old land owners house back in the 1980s. The development was completed in 1985 and the pitch was situated where it was prior to any stand being built,” said Ruane.

“There was a line of trees alongside one side of the pitch and it was decided by the engineer, Sean Healy, that we would build the stand around the trees.

“Only one tree goes up through the stand. There was no difficulty in the construction. The dugouts are on the far side of the pitch, but given there was a natural hill on the stand side that is why we decided that was the side to construct the stand regardless of the trees. People arriving at the ground for the first time are immediately drawn to it. It is certainly unique.”