'It has hung like a black cloud over generations of Louth players'
April 07, 2018
The Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda.
Former Louth midfielder Seamus O'Hanlon has expressed his disappointment at the collapse of redevelopment plans for the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda.
In his Drogheda Independent column, O'Hanlon says he wasn't surprised by last week's announcement that an agreement between Louth county board, Croke Park and the O Raghallaigh's club couldn't be reached on the issue.
"It appears that the O Raghallaighs club were unwilling to accept the terms of a proposed new lease agreement which was been insisted upon by Croke Park chiefs," he wrote.
"To my knowledge, the ownership issue has always been the main stumbling block for the club in brokering any deal, therefore I can't fathom why it has come as a surprise to anybody."
O'Hanlon feels the lack of a modern county ground has contributed to Louth GAA's current struggles.
"This prolonged debacle surrounding the proposed redevelopment of the North Road venue has been like a millstone around the neck of football in the county for decades," he continued.
"It has hung like a black cloud over generations of Louth county players and I would say it is indirectly responsible for the current malaise and lack of interest in the current county set up.
"Too many of our young GAA players have no ambition or desire to play for the county side. They've grown up not knowing any success for the county at any level. The dilapidated county grounds has never encouraged or enticed their parents to bring them as a family to see their team in action.
"Wet muddy banks and lack of toilet facilities are a throwback to forgotten times.
"It's clearly obvious that the expertise required to build a Louth GAA stadium does not reside within the confines of the Louth county board. What is now urgently required is a project manager to be appointed by Croke Park to explore the options currently available and recommend a specific plan of action with definitive timelines.
"Croke Park have completed sufficient stadium projects over the last numbers years to have such expertise available to them."
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