The Heavy rain which has fallen seemingly ceaselessly in recent weeks has had an obvious impact on local and regional sport with several local authorities closing pitches for the whole of this week. It is not only being felt at that level though.

Late last night the Munster Football Association declared that the pitch at Turners Cross would be closed with immediate effect and with no date set for when it would have sufficiently recovered.

“Unfortunately we have had to make this decision in conjunction with and on the advice of our pitch contractors following the League of Ireland fixture that took place on Friday night last where extensive areas of the pitch have been severely damaged,” read the statement.

“We wish to ensure all affected parties that while there is a period of extensive works needed we endeavour to have the Turners Cross pitch restored and playable as soon as possible.”

Turner’s Cross was closed in 2017, also as a result of Weather when Storm ophelia tore up the roof of the Derrynane Stand.

Cork City’s men’s team are away next weekend in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division but the stadium is scheduled to host the Women’s Premier Division game between Cork City and DLR Waves on Saturday afternoon.

Limerick’s LIT Gaelic Grounds has been unplayable with a number of the All Ireland Hurling Champions matches in the Allianz League switched to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Thurles’ FBD Semple Stadium had to pass a pitch inspection ahead of the Allianz League Division One Final between Kilkenny and Clare on Saturday night while those watching will have noticed a Clare defender digging the sliotar out of the mud in the goalmouth area at one point in the second half after it had been stood upon.

Racing has also been impacted with the Curragh calling off its meeting at the weekend.

Golf too has seen more closure of course than could ever be expected in the weeks leading up to the US masters, traditionally a time when the bell rings on summer golf.

Sport for Business Perspective:

We live in Ireland so we have to expect a drop of soft weather from time to time but this feels relentless.

It will of course pass and we will likely be bemoaning parched pitches in the height of summer but when you are in the middle of it, or if you are a groundsman…

 

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