I went to a couple of Galway United games this summer. I was looking at the pitch and ground in terms of Connacht potentially playing there. I really don't think it's feasible. The pitch didn't look long enough and there is no space to expand it.

RonanL wrote: Totally agree Pinky - there is comfort in knowing they are not considering an out of town option. In my opinion Eamon Deacy park is a non runner too. I'd be happy with either of the remaining options. For me, the "distance to O'Connell's" rule is key. Having said all that, I would be a little fearful of losing the atmosphere in a move to a purpose built municipal ground.

The "distance to O'Connell's" for Eamon Deacy Park is only 5 minutes greater than for the Sportsground. However Galway doesn't follow normal laws of physics, and having walked both it feels about twice as long.

connemara man wrote: It's simple we start a Kickstarter campaign to make dog racing illegal. It'd be much cheaper for us fans than funding a stadium

Given that the cost of merely re-homing unwanted dogs, as opposed to (cough) disposing of them, has pretty much put the UK dogs out of business, you might be on to something!

Totally agree Pinky - there is comfort in knowing they are not considering an out of town option. In my opinion Eamon Deacy park is a non runner too. I'd be happy with either of the remaining options. For me, the "distance to O'Connell's" rule is key. Having said all that, I would be a little fearful of losing the atmosphere in a move to a purpose built municipal ground.

It's simple we start a Kickstarter campaign to make dog racing illegal. It'd be much cheaper for us fans than funding a stadium

I really think moving to Terryland would be a huge mistake. If the board are planning a move they really need to survey fans at games to find out what percentage wouldn't go if the games weren't in town, what percentage need parking, etc.

Couldn't agree more. The same line the ceo rolled out 12 months ago.
You get the feeling that the ship could have sialed on this

woger wabbit wrote: That said I don't hold my breath.

I wouldn't. There are some horrible domes (read oversized nuclear bunkers) in snowier parts of the states that were built in the 70s for about 2000 euros per attendee (in today's terms) and some hidesously expensive stuff like small (12-16,000 seat) Japanese baseball domes and American Football training stadium (Cowboys Ford Centre is amazing) which are up to date and have some architectural merit, but you're talking 10,000 euros per attendee. So Lansdowne Road levels of expense per seat, way out of our budget.

It being the dogs just cleared their debt & the docks option seems to be a kite-flying enterprise by Friends of Developers (is there an actual site we can build in? The old tanks/railway site is in parcels, many owned by developers or redeveloped, the car park site by the Lough Atalia bridge is only 90 metres wide - you need 78 for pitch + minimum runoff - and everything else is built on, so I'm assuming any docks site for Connacht is currently un-reclaimed at the bottom of the bay), that leaves Eamon Deacy Park, which is hardly ideal either.

It does appear to confirm that the "greenfield" site previously referred to is in the docks, so at least there is no danger they are considering a Michael Fitzmaurice style outer suburban solution, which puts my mind at ease somewhat.

This is a once off opportunity for Galway City Council in conjunction with the IRFU to build a municipal stadium in the docks. It has to have a roof on it. That will drive attendances and also make it a great concert/conference venue. I think capacity wise 15k should be max. 12k would probably be perfect and cheaper to build. Galway united could also be encouraged to become tenants. I guarantee you that their attendances would at least treble if it was in docks and had a roof.

If the council has any long term vision it is surely the right option. That said I don't hold my breath.

A non story. Bit of filler for Indo. No change, snails pace etc etc

www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-...tadium-36036934.html

Long time reader, first time poster...

Just wondering if people think the new additions to the League might speed up the process for sorting the facilities out? If the new teams were a big success and there ended up being a few others wanting to join in a few seasons, surely we would need facilities fit for hosting top level rugby. Might also generate a bit for cash if it all goes to plan as well.

I love the Sportsgrounds and location but a fit for purpose ground is a must when it comes to attracting the next generation. Having a pee behind the Bohermore Terrace isn't for everyone.

I agree up date it to standards required and we dont need anywhere else - I love the sports ground i has a charm and warmth (metaphorically) speaking. If the day comes when we move to bigger or better things I'm sure they will be loads of us here saying we wish we were back in the clan etc for a number of different reasons.

I must say I get really annoyed about talk of new stadia, moving etc. - It will not happen!

As a starting point if they fixed the basics such as toilets & catering - even paint the goal posts for gods sake. It would be a start!

Fix it so that if it rains you don't get soaked queuing to get to the loo.Fix it that if you get a bite to eat you can enjoy without being huddled in some corner trying to stay dry. Fix it so that there are more seats for those that require same. Fix it so that young kids can actually see the game. Fix it so that the big screen is always fit for purpose. Fix it so that coaching staff have an appropriate perch. All of these are relatively straightforward and can be accomplished in current venue. You need to look after the support you already have if you have any chance of future expansion

Rant over

Pearse stadium is a mare to get to for every that's not from the west of Galway imo.

I'd say all Connachts efforts are to make use of the sportsground. the delay is annoying but I'd rather it take longer and we stay in our location and improve the facilities.