Tallow GAA | CLG Tulach an Iarainn

Grounds & Facilities

Tá ár bpáirc tiomnaithe in omós do Éamonn De Paor as an tseirbhis dhilis a thug se do Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, go náisiúnta ach go háirithe as an oidhreacht íománaíochta a d’fhág sé linn í dTulach an Iarainn.

Our club grounds are dedicated in honour of Eamonn De Paor, Ned Power, in recognition of his lifelong service to Gaelic games at county and national level and in particular his immense contribution to Tallow GAA.

From the beginning of the 20th century the Tallow club had something of a nomadic existence with no permanent playing field to call home. In those early years a group of lads would often take up occupancy on any piece of ground where a gate was found open. Other times a benevolent local farmer would offer the club temporary use of a vacant meadow. And so it went on for many years. At various stages over the years, hurling was played on a field at McCarthy’s, Westlodge and on Luke McCarthy’s field at the back of Eddie Cunningham’s house. For much of the 1950’s Tallow GAA club played their games in Curley’s field at the western end of town.

Opening of the field 1963

In 1963, a ten and a half acre site became available at the eastern side of Tallow. The club owes much to the foresight of the people of the time who undertook the daunting task, at a time when money was scarce, of raising funds, or giving personal donations, to purchase a home for Tallow GAA. Securing a home base was a significant contributing factor in the success that would subsequently follow.

Field prior to development.

Despite the on field success the club enjoyed over the following decades, little was done to improve the facilities at the club grounds at Townspark East. From 1963 to 2004 the club operated from one pitch and very basic dressing rooms. Due to increased demand on the pitch a second field was developed in 2004 from what was essentially bog land at the river side of the main pitch. This new full sized pitch was an outstanding success and is now in regular use for training and games. As a man made pitch it will require constant care and maintenance in the years ahead.

Demolishing of old dressing rooms in 2006.

The old dressing rooms have been demolished and construction of the new club rooms incorporating four dressing rooms, general purpose room, machinery shed, extended car park and other ancillary facilities has been completed. This new development has been financed by the generosity of supporters, who contributed in excess of €100,000, as well as a grant of € 130,000 from Lotto funding. There are plans for further development to include ball alleys, new dug outs etc. but as it stands much has been achieved in a short space of time. With two pitches and four modern dressing rooms we have excellent facilities for our playing members.

The pitch in the present day.

The challenge now and into the future is to ensure that they are utilised fully.

28/09/2009

All Weather Pitch and Ball Alley Open For Use

Recognising to need to establish a permanent home for Tallow GAA a group of enterprising club men purchased a ten and a half acre site in towns park east in 1963. It was a seminal development in the history of the club. Securing a home base was a significant contributing factor to the success that came our way on the playing fields in the decades that followed. From 1963 to 2004 the club was served by one playing field and basic dressing rooms. It was more than adequate for the times that were in it and certainly didn’t hinder the success of Tallow teams throughout the most prolific period since the foundation of the club in 1887.

In the space of 5 years, from 2004 to 2009 the club grounds have been utterly transformed. It is no coincidence that this unprecedented level of development has run parallel with the term of office of our current chairman.

Due to increased demands on the old field a second full size playing pitch was developed, or more accurately created, in 2004 from what was essentially waste bog land at the Bride side of the grounds. It has been an unqualified success and though never officially designated it is considered the main club pitch and first choice with all teams if given the option. As a man made pitch, it will require careful monitoring and nurturing in the years ahead if it is to be maintained to its current high standard.

The old dressing rooms were demolished in 2006 and replaced with a new clubhouse incorporating 4 modern dressing rooms, general purpose area, equipment room, as well as changing facilities for referees. The whole façade of the grounds was transfigured with the demolition of the old block perimeter wall and extension and resurfacing of the car park. The new security fencing erected allows a panoramic view of the valley and greatly enhances the area.

The latest stage of development has seen the completion of an all weather playing area and hurling wall together with a ball alley. These facilities are designed, if properly used, to speed up reflexes and hone skills. They are also designed for enjoyment and already many of our under age players are revelling in these new playing areas. A state of the art floodlighting system has been erected and will serve a dual purpose as it has been adapted to illuminate the original grass pitch as well.

With this latest phase of redevelopment brought to fruition the vast bulk of work at our grounds is now completed. We thank all who have contributed in any way. The new facilities are already in use by our under age teams. They will be available to rent by clubs or groups in the area from 6 00 pm to 10 pm. To book the all weather pitch and ball alley please contact Denis Tobin @ 087 6857748.

The club grounds are dedicated in honour of Ned Power. The facilities at Páirc Eamonn de Paor we hope will serve as a fitting tribute to a man whose hurling life was given to the pursuit of excellence.

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