The current condition of Armagh’s Cathedral Road 3G pitch has been brought into question as local football clubs continue to abandon its use.
They argue that the surface is “not fit for adult contact sport” with several players said to have even reported experiencing infections after suffering falls during a game.
It is understood that the 3G pitch located at Sherry’s Field in Armagh was one of the first 3G pitches to be created in Northern Ireland.
Owned by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the grounds had long been utilised for training and matches by Armagh-based member clubs in the Lonsdale League as well as various other clubs and teams.
However, in recent years the Lonsdale League clubs have more or less abandoned the grounds favouring other facilities that they say are in better condition.
Concerns were raised to Armagh I by a youth coach whose team had attended the grounds last weekend for a league match.
It is a pitch they had not played on in some years but, upon arrival at the facility, he was immediately shocked by its condition.
The coach – who preferred to remain anonymous – said: “The surface was awful. It was degraded and there was a huge tuft of artificial grass sticking out of what was clearly a hole at the penalty spot.
“This could cause serious injury to a player if they were to catch their toe on it mid-match.
The tuft of artificial grass sticking out above the pitch surface
“The lighting is also mostly not working and there were so many holes in the nets. They are hanging by a thread.
“I spoke to another man on the side-line who said they had been asking the council to upgrade the facility and have been promised it every year for several years and nothing has been done.”
The coach had been informed that the Lonsdale League had largely abandoned the grounds for matches – using it only when no other option was available to them.
Armagh I contacted the Lonsdale League who agreed that the 3G pitch at Cathedral Road is in “dire need of upgrade”.
A spokesperson for The Lonsdale League said: ” Armagh-based member clubs used Sherry’s as their home pitch for a number of years.
“It is up to a club where they play their home games but we have found that in recent years that Armagh-based clubs are using the grass pitches in Ardmore or even travelling outside of the city to Keady and Tandragee to avail of pitches and facilities there.
“The league would book ‘neutral’ pitches for semi-finals and finals but we would not consider using Sherry’s anymore.
“From our point of view it is not fit for adult contact sport. There is a long list of injuries that although common in football, the surface definitely played its part.
“In addition when coming into contact with the surface players would report suffering grazes and cuts that if not treated immediately after the game would result in an infection.”
The lifespan of a 3G pitch is said to be approximately 10 years depending on use and maintenance.
According to website Freshkit.co.uk maintenance of a 3G pitch typically involves “regular brushing to keep the turf fibres upright and to evenly distribute the infill”, alongside regular inspection for wear and tear – but the most crucial aspect of maintenance, they say, is “hygiene”.
“3G pitches need to be kept clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. This is typically achieved through mechanical and chemical treatments, which need to be factored into the ongoing cost of ownership,” the website states.
However, hope may be on the horizon!
When contacted by Armagh I for comment, an ABC Council spokesperson advised: “We are currently progressing the replacement of several synthetic pitches across the borough.
“The replacement of the 3G pitch at Cathedral Road, Armagh will be prioritised and is due to be completed within the next 12 months as part of first phase of a rolling replacement programme.”
