Synthetic Pitch re-opens at the Mardyke, UCC
02.03.2011

University College Cork (UCC) today (March 1st 2011) announced the formal re-opening of the Mardyke Synthetic Pitch. UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy who performed the re-opening ceremony said the new pitch demonstrated the university’s commitment to sport and recreation at UCC. “The new pitch augurs well for the continuing success of the men’s and ladies Hockey Clubs” he said. Following the November 2009 flood, the synthetic pitch at the Mardyke was destroyed. The President thanked those Clubs who had come to UCC’s assistance when the pitch was destroyed in the Cork floods and opened their facilities to UCC Clubs.

The new pitch is a full water based pitch replacing the previous sand-dressed water-based pitch. Negotiations are underway to replace the existing floodlights which will ensure that the Mardyke will be one of the most sought- after hockey pitches in the country. New dugouts were also recently installed and an electronic scoreboard also adds to the prestigious facility.

The UCC Hockey Clubs have welcomed the new state-of-the-art facility. It is of olympic standard and allows for “fast” play. Five ladies and three men’s teams currently train and represent UCC in the Munster Senior League and AIL Leagues. Management of the Irish Ladies Hockey Union have indicated their desire to train in Cork and play practice matches on this new state-of-the-art pitch.

Recreation sports will also benefit from the installation of the new pitch. Recreation soccer is played from 9.00am-5.00pm most days. Other team sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, American Football and the men and ladies Soccer clubs also avail of this pitch.

External users of the pitch include Scoil Mhuire School, the Munster Senior Leagues O’35 competition, Astra Utd, Ashburton Corinthians and Trotters.

Sportsworks installed the pitch with Eric O’Donnell from Sportlabs acting as consultant on the project.

The Hockey Development Officer, Paudie Hartnett is currently engaged with the Irish Hockey Association and various groups to bring a series of exciting matches to the Mardyke to celebrate the century in 2011/12.

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