Nenagh Ormond RFC to unveil new state-of-the-art facilities

Nenagh Ormond Rugby Football Club will mark another significant milestone in its 140 year history this Saturday with the official opening of its new all-weather playing pitches and refurbishment works at New Ormond Park.

By Shane Brophy

The event will coincide with the clubs second round game in the Munster Senior Challenge Cup against Cork Constitution, which in itself would draw a big crowd to the Lisatunny venue as the competitive rugby season really cranks into year, as Nenagh look to build on their opening round win over Highfield.

Nenagh Ormond RFC are inviting all members and supporters to attend the official opening which will take place at 12.30pm.

The clubs former coach, Munster, Leinster, and Ireland international Trevor Hogan will cut the ribbon, alongside Club President John Long and IRFU President Declan Madden, with the big match kicking off at 2.30pm, with free admission.

New Ormond Park has undergone a massive facelift over the last twelve months or so, highlighted by the construction of a full-size all-weather playing pitch (120mx75m) to replace the existing grass training pitch to the north of the main playing pitch. The surface is to the highest specification, similar to the one at Virgin Media (Musgrave) Park in Cork which is World Rugby approved.

New LED floodlights have been installed with the pitch, while the floodlights on the main grass pitch have also been upgraded to be more energy efficient.

A second all-weather playing surface (50mx40m) has been installed to replace existing grass junior members training area near the viewing stand, plus the construction of footpaths and fencing around both all-weather playing surfaces.

The dressing rooms in the clubhouse have also been refurbished while the gym has also been upgraded with the car-parking area fully tarmacked.

The works were made possible by the funds raised from the sale of their old rugby grounds and lands at Tyone where a dedicated healthcare facility is currently under construction, providing a substantial financial injection to the coffers of Nenagh Ormond RFC.

Initially, the club had looked at disposing of its four-acre Tyone site for the development of new housing, but decided to opt for the primary care centre because it wanted to provide a facility that would provide a great service to the town and contribute to the growth of the local economy.

Both all-weather pitches will be made available to local clubs to train when not in use by the club itself, which also provides a revenue stream for the day-to-day running of the club as these new facilities will have to be maintained so membership and sponsorship will remain a key element of fundraising.

All the monies from the land sale have been reinvested to create state-of-the-art sporting facilities at their base in Lisatunny which will benefit the club well into the future, as well as rugby in the province of Munster with the new facilities ideal as a regional training base of all age groups, both male and female.