SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh named 2024 GAA Pitch of the Year

PITCH OF THE YEAR: SuperValu Páirc Uí Choaimh has been named GAA Pitch of the Year for 2024. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Cork GAA's SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh has been named the winner of the GAA Pitch of the Year for 2024.

The Cork venue last won the title in 2022 but was edged out by Páirc Tailteann in Navan last year.

The Cork venue was one of four finalists and were joined by Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon, St Tiernach's Park, Clones and Páirc Tailteann, Navan in the shortlist.

All four venues were visited by Croke Park Grounds Management Seán Foran and iTurf Management's Ian McClements.

Chairman of the National Pitch Workgroup Stuart Wilson said that winning pitch of the year title recognises the effort of groups in maintaining the pitches.

“The Pitch of the Year recognises the considerable efforts that go into the preparation of our pitches on a weekly basis, sometimes in very difficult circumstances.

“All the grounds were assessed against more than 30 criteria including pitch playing quality, pitch presentation and performance as well as taking account of the resources available for management.

“The extreme weather conditions and very high usage levels made the preparation of pitches extremely challenging and the condition that these finalists achieved at the time of our visit highlighted the level of dedication and commitment of both the staff and volunteers involved.

“Given the exceptionally high standards demonstrated across all grounds and the incredibly close scores between the finalists, selecting a definitive winner and runner up proved challenging. However, for 2024, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh was ultimately chosen as the winner, with Páirc Tailteann named as the runner-up."

ICL, Turfcard and Campey Turfcare sponsor the competition with the winners receiving a range of products and tools to keep up the maintenance of their pitches.