Is Soccer the poor relation in Ireland, I ask?
Is Soccer the poor relation in Ireland, I ask? .As I was driving by Hassets cross this evening with my work colleague Conor, he pointed out to me the contrast between the two sports Rugby and Soccer.Thomond Park Home to Munster Rugby is undergoing major development, with its towering edifices visible. Next to it is the green area best described as an excuse for a soccer pitch which is and has been used by so many down through the years, at times it has so often been neglected. This is an area that should have been properly fenced in, a proper pitch and a small all weather pitch, goals with nets, floodlit a place that will attract both young and old. A proper facility. The Limerick City council and our local elected representatives down through the years have a lot to answer for.
This evening I saw several youngsters training there, adults also, with a backdrop of burnt out sofas, beds etc in the same location. Limerick 37 I will give credit to for their direction, but this is a different story ,this is the story about those people who give up their free time to help train the younger members of Clubs and do it voluntary. Let’s look at Ballynanty Rovers who train in Shelbourne Park, it was through the media they found out that will no longer be training there as it is been closed for restoration .(about time with the restoration of the Park I say)This now leaves Ballynanty Rovers without facilities for their school boy teams who range in age from 7 to 14 ,Thomondgate,Kileely,Ballynanty ,Moyross and Farranshone is where over 60 children come from to train 3 times a week.
It is no wonder youngsters, volunteers get totally P***** off, and they drift away to do other things! We hear about the implementation of Asbo’s etc ,why do we not try and give more support to people like this by having proper facilities to go to .We do even have proper outdoor all weather basketball facilities in every corner of this city, a skateboard park, all weather pitches for soccer , Gaelic or hurling ,tag rugby.or any other sport.
The latest news is that the City Council who have a responsibility for sports grounds in the city are looking into it ???