Latest news with #SéanMcClean


Irish Examiner
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Páirc Uí Chaoimh in running to host International Rules test
SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh is in the running to host an International Rules test this October. The GAA and Australian Football League (AFL) are expected to confirm details in the coming weeks of what is hoped will be a two-test series as was the case in the last series in 2017 when the games were played in Adelaide and Perth. Croke Park is in line to stage the second and final test with the Cork venue being considered for the first the weekend before. There was only one test the last time the hybrid sport was played in Ireland in Croke Park in 2015. Páirc Uí Chaoimh previously hosted the first official Compromise Rules test in 1984 and since then the likes of Galway's Pearse Stadium (2006), Limerick's Gaelic Grounds ('10) and Breffni Park in Cavan ('13) have been the scene for opening tests. GAA and AFL officials met in Dublin last month having previously discussed the revival of the concept during GAA president Jarlath Burns's trip to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Australia GAA last autumn. Ireland was due to host two tests in 2020, the second of them on the 100th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in November, but they were cancelled due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, Louth GAA have secured additional funding to complete the first phase of their new stadium outside Dundalk. Croke Park have signed off on the €14 million opening stage of the development, which will allow approximately 6,000 spectators, over 4,000 of which will be seated in the south stand. Louth have raised almost €15m via the State's Immigrant Investor Programme and the entire project for the 14,000-capacity venue is expected to cost between €25m and €13m. It is expected the first part of the development will take 16 months to complete with the plan to be open in late 2026 and will include floodlighting, standing sections behind each goal, car parking and an auxiliary building. The second phase will comprise a standing terrace and commence when funding is available. Louth County Board chairman Séan McClean declared: 'This is a momentous day for all Gaelic Games in County Louth. After years of planning and preparation, we are thrilled to secure the necessary funding to begin construction on this state-of-the-art facility.' Speaking in February, GAA director general Tom Ryan said the organisation had to assist Louth: 'We just have to deliver something for Louth. They're not looking for the sun, moon and stars, they're just looking for a ground that is capable of holding county finals and home league games and qualifiers and things like that.'

The Journal
29-04-2025
- Sport
- The Journal
GAA give the go-ahead to Louth for Phase One of a brand new stadium in Dundalk
THE GAA HAVE green-lighted a brand new stadium for Louth GAA after agreeing to a funding package to commence Phase One of the build at Muirhevnamor in Dundalk. The new facilities are a significant milestone for Gaelic Games in the Wee County and will be a base for both men and women when finished. Building is estimated to last around 16 months to get the stadium up to a capacity of 6,000 spectators after Phase One, which will be done by local contractors Ganson Group. This will include a south seated stand of 4,080 seats, a full-sized playing pitch, modern floodlighting, standing sections behind each goals, car parking and an auxiliary building for essential facilities. Advertisement Thereafter, Phase Two will be dependent on further funding. Séan McClean, Chairperson of Louth GAA, said: 'This is a momentous day for all Gaelic Games in County Louth. After years of planning and preparation, we are thrilled to secure the necessary funding to begin construction on this state-of-the-art facility. We express our sincere gratitude to GAA Headquarters and all our Clubs within Louth GAA for their unwavering support in bringing this project to fruition.' 'This new stadium will not only provide an excellent home for Louth county and club teams but will also serve as a hub for community activities and foster the continued growth of Gaelic Games in the region.' Written by Declan Bogue and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here .

The 42
29-04-2025
- Business
- The 42
GAA give the go-ahead to Louth for Phase One of a brand new stadium in Dundalk
THE GAA HAVE green-lighted a brand new stadium for Louth GAA after agreeing to a funding package to commence Phase One of the build at Muirhevnamor in Dundalk. The new facilities are a significant milestone for Gaelic Games in the Wee County and will be a base for both men and women when finished. Advertisement Building is estimated to last around 16 months to get the stadium up to a capacity of 6,000 spectators after Phase One, which will be done by local contractors Ganson Group. This will include a south seated stand of 4,080 seats, a full-sized playing pitch, modern floodlighting, standing sections behind each goals, car parking and an auxiliary building for essential facilities. Thereafter, Phase Two will be dependent on further funding. Séan McClean, Chairperson of Louth GAA, said: 'This is a momentous day for all Gaelic Games in County Louth. After years of planning and preparation, we are thrilled to secure the necessary funding to begin construction on this state-of-the-art facility. We express our sincere gratitude to GAA Headquarters and all our Clubs within Louth GAA for their unwavering support in bringing this project to fruition.' 'This new stadium will not only provide an excellent home for Louth county and club teams but will also serve as a hub for community activities and foster the continued growth of Gaelic Games in the region.'


RTÉ News
29-04-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Louth secure funding for first-phase stadium development
A comprehensive funding package has been agreed between Louth GAA and Croke Park to start the first phase of development on the county's new stadium in Dundalk. The package was announced at a county board meeting on Monday night and represents a significant breakthrough for Louth in their pursuit of a modern, purpose-built venue. The construction period is expected to last approximately 16 months, with the stadium to host games with an initial capacity of approximately 6,000 spectators upon completion of phase one. RTÉ Sport understands that the first phase will cost up to €24m. Louth GAA's share of the cost is in the region of €5m, with €1.5m coming directly from clubs via an agreed levy and the remaining €3.5m coming from fundraising. Local contractor, Ganson Group, will deliver the new stadium. Phase one will include the development of a south seated stand (4,080 seats); a full-size playing pitch with a state of the art floodlighting system; while east and west standing sections will be incorporated behind both goals with car parking and an auxiliary building provided for essential facilities. Development of phase two will subsequently commence as funding allows, featuring the north standing terrace, which will further enhance the stadium's capacity and facilities. "This is a momentous day for all Gaelic games in County Louth," said Séan McClean, chairperson of Louth GAA. "After years of planning and preparation, we are thrilled to secure the necessary funding to begin construction on this state-of-the-art facility. We express our sincere gratitude to GAA Headquarters and all our clubs within Louth GAA for their unwavering support in bringing this project to fruition. "This new stadium will not only provide an excellent home for Louth county and club teams but will also serve as a hub for community activities and foster the continued growth of Gaelic games in the region." The development comes at a time when Louth's senior, Under-20s and minor footballers are all thriving in their respective championships.