Shamrock Rovers have announced the appointment of Graham ‘Mero’ Merrigan as the club’s Disability Access Officer (DAO), demonstrating the club’s commitment to accessibility for all supporters.
Merrigan will oversee all aspects of accessibility at the club, serving as the key contact for supporters with specific access needs.
“I’m here to make sure the club is welcoming, safe and accessible for everyone, he said speaking to the club website.
“Whether you’re a regular supporter, a first-time visitor, or coming along with specific access needs – this role is all about listening, improving things, and making sure that no one is left out.”
Parking, seating, toilets, signage, sensory spaces, and more will come under his remit with a commitment from the club to listen and make improvements wherever possible.
The club introduced a sensory space with South Dublin County Council in 2023 and are in position to lead with Tallaght Stadium being the most modern and fit for purpose ground in the League of Ireland.
Merrigan has already been active in an issue on the LED signage around the ground, introduced first for the Europa Conference League but now present on a permanent basis.
“The LED lights brought in for the UEFA Conference League phase completely restricted the viewing for wheelchair users in the south stand,” said Merrigan.
“The club gave plenty of notice to those affected and refunded everyone. The club executive tried to resolve the issue by bringing it to the attention of UEFA, but to no avail.”
“The LED signs were back for the new league campaign and our view was worse than before.”
“The club was very proactive, repositioned the signs, tilted them, and now there have moved them back closer to the boundary wall, so we are 88% there in fixing the issue. ”
“It’s that kind of feedback that makes a difference, but now that feedback can come from the DAO and feed it into the club office.”
Merrigan has long been active within Ballybrack as the driving force behind the local wheelchair basketball club and he is also one half of the ever brilliant Whats the Story Podcast.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Sensory Bus for Shamrock Rovers and Tallaght Stadium
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
A top man who knows the lived experience and will never be afraid to speak up and call out something that can be done better.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Shamrock Rovers next home game is at home to Cork City on Monday
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