By Frank Quinn
(Pictured, Leinster boys Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip, Rob and Dave Kearney)
MICHAEL Ring, T.D., Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, was the guest of honour as Leinster Rugby today officially opened two state of the art all-weather pitches in Donnybrook.
After much consultation, Leinster Rugby, with the generous support of the Department Transport, Tourism and Sport, elected to change the pitch surfaces in Donnybrook after researching the successful introduction of synthetic grass into rugby and other sports, particularly in the last number of years.
A special one-off grant of €750,000 with matching funding from Leinster Rugby of a further €250,000 was secured and the two pitches have already hosted a number of local club games, schools’ games and the recent Leinster ‘A’ win over Jersey in the British and Irish Cup.
Minister Ring commented, “I was delighted that my Department was able to support these wonderful facilities’ with a special grant allocation of €750,000. It is wonderful to see the two state of the art all weather pitches completed and able to cater for such a large contingent. The Government continues to support the grass roots and in Budget 2015 I announced a third Sport Capital Programme, which will benefit sports clubs all over the country. These facilitates will cater for a range of players from young to old and that is what we strive to support”
Representing Leinster Rugby at today’s announcement was Leinster Rugby President, John Glackin, “This is a huge step for the domestic game in Leinster. We cater for over 38,000 players across the province in 75 clubs and just short of 500 primary and secondary schools. Everyone dreams of running out at Donnybrook and that dream is enhanced by this development……….. see more at :- http://limerickrugby.ie/all-weather-surface-at-donnybrook-opened/
