Turner's Cross to host Cobh Ramblers for start of 2024 campaign 

Developments at Cobh Ramblers' St Colman's Park venue are underway and will run into the start of the 2024 First Division campaign. 

NEW LOOK: Cobh Ramblers FC have announced the installation of a new state-of-the-art astroturf pitch, among other upgrades. Pic: Cobh Ramblers FC

Redevelopments at St Colman's Park will see Turner's Cross host Cobh Ramblers for the early parts of the 2024 First Division campaign.

Ramblers have begun works to redevelop the ground, with the installation of a new "state-of-the-art astroturf pitch, new LED floodlighting and new pitch surround" underway. 

With the works at St Colman's Park set to run into the new season, Ramblers have made an agreement with the Munster FA, Cork City FC and the League of Ireland that will allow the club to play some of their opening 2024 home games at the home of their neighbours. 

On the redevelopment, club chairman Bill O’Leary said: “This timely and very positive development makes total operational, financial, and strategic sense for the club. It saves us money, facilitates our growth in terms of playing numbers, opens our facility to the community and will allow our teams to play football the way we like to play it. 

"I would like to express sincere thanks to all of the board and volunteers, the Government, Sinead Sheppard and the local council, Simon Coveney, Doyle Shipping Group, Port of Cork, Alan Bardsley and Cunneen Premier Locksmiths for supporting this development. 

"We would also like to thank the Football Association of Ireland and Clann Credo who have been integral in ensuring we were able to proceed with the project”.

Ramblers board member Mark Farrell added: “The beginning of the project work in St Colman’s Park represents another important step in the club’s history. It comes on the back of a lot of hard work by so many brilliant volunteers. 

"Having seen the benefits of the Stephen Ireland Astro Turf at Old Church Park in the increased contact time for kids and adults alike, these works at Cobh Ramblers will only serve to further increase contact time for players and ultimately lead to better levels of skill and performances for the teams in the town as well as making for a better match experience for fans and players alike."

Elsewhere, Waterford FC have signed a contract with Waterford City and County Council for the use of the Regional Sports Centre (RSC), their home since 1993, for the next 50 years. 

Waterford's home venue contract renewal coincides with the club's promotion to the Premier Division for the 2024 campaign after they overcame Cork City in the promotion/relegation play-off final in November. 

Speaking on the announcement, CEO Steve Curwood said: “It’s vital for Waterford FC to have a very productive relationship with the council; we’re in the early stages of a longer journey so it’s important that we continue to work together in making things happen.

“We have to use promotion as a fabulous platform to plan and develop everything around the football club, and this commitment from both ourselves and the Waterford City and County Council with this long-term agreement is the perfect start.”