An Armagh playing field that had largely been abandoned by local sports clubs due to its poor condition will hopefully see a renewed influx of players with resurfacing due to be completed in the next nine months.
Back in March 2024, the condition of the 3G pitch at Sherry’s Field, on the Cathedral Road, was called into question after several players were said to have experienced 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, but – as it has now reached its lifespan of approximately 10 years – had become “not fit for adult contact sport”, with a well-worn and uneven surface, littered with holes.
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, such as Ardmore, Keady and Tandragee.
When contacted back in March about the dire need for upgrade, the Council said they were currently progressing the replacement of several synthetic pitches across the borough and that the replacement of the 3G pitch at Cathedral Road, Armagh would be “prioritised”.
At that time, the Council spokesperson said the work was due to be completed within the next 12 months as part of the “first phase of a rolling replacement programme”, meaning a new surface should have been playable by April 2026.
However, just two months shy of that 12 month deadline and there appeared to be no physical remedial works taking place at the site.
Curious to know the status of the pitch upgrades, Armagh I again reached out to Council for an update.
Regrettably, Council do seem to be behind on their former – and relatively ambitious – timeline of 12 months, but they assure works are being progressed with anticipated completion now pushed back slightly, to September.
When contacted, a spokesperson for Council confirmed that the procurement documents for the replacement of the pitches at both Ardmore and Cathedral Road are currently being finalised.
An estimated timeline, which may be subject to change, has been provided, with the awarding of the contract expected early next month, with four months allocated to the design team to complete.
Construction would then be expected to begin in June, lasting approximately three months, which should then be completed by September 2026.
Once completed, the pitches will then be reopened to the community for booking.
