Croke Park: The Cream of Irish Sport

摘要

The historical significance of Croke Park, 'home of The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)', cannot be underestimated. Purchased by The GAA in 1908, the stadium has been developed over the years into Europe's third largest stadium. Until 2007 the stadium was used exclusively for Gaelic Games before the controversial rule forbidding foreign games on the hallowed turf was temporarily relaxed. Now Croke Park hosts a year round schedule of GAA (hurling, Gaelic football and camoige), rock concerts, international rugby and soccer, international rules football and other important non-sporting events such as the opening of the Special Olympics. With up to 80 fixtures in a gruelling year-round schedule, Croke Park is one of the busiest stadiums of its kind worldwide with a permanent natural turf pitch. Since the Desso Grassmaster installation in 2002, feedback from players, fans and commentators was mixed, in 2007, following an extensive competitive interview and reporting process, STRI were appointed as sole consultants and project managers to the GAA in all matters related to the Croke Park pitch surface. The appointment was under the direction of President of the GAA Nicky Brennan, Stadium Director Peter McKenna and Facilitator Joe Bedford. Since the appointment of STRI, pitch performance has improved dramatically. The staff members on site are Robert Ellis, Head Groundsman; Paddy Walsh, Assistant Groundsman and Marcel Bantea, General Groundsman who have also been acknowledged for their role in the transformation of the surface.