Floodlight venues confirmed for provinces

More floodlit GAA matches are on the horizon after the Association confirmed further provisions for floodlighting around the country at the weekend.

Two grounds in each of the provinces - bar Connacht who are still deliberating on their approved venues - are to receive funding towards the erection of floodlight facilities.

The move, confirmed at the GAA's Central Council meeting on Saturday, should see an increase in National Football League fixtures being played on Friday and Saturday nights in 2006.

TG4 broadcast six NFL floodlit matches, with throw-ins of 7pm or later, during the 2005 league to wide acclaim. Poor Sunday afternoon attendances throughout the league campaign will have also forced the GAA's hand in the matter.

The grounds already approved are:

Leinster - Pairc Tailteann, Navan; O’Moore Park, Portlaoise

Munster - the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick; Walsh Park, Waterford

Ulster - Casement Park; Healy Park, Omagh

Connacht are to select two grounds from - Pearse Stadium, Galway, Mc Hale Park in Castlebar, Pairc Sean MacDiarmada in Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo's Markievicz Park.