Work begins on new Oldcastle school pitch

Work has commenced on the new football pitch at St Oliver Post-Primary School, Oldcastle, following the awarding of the contract by County Meath VEC. This development work will transform the school"s main sports area, which has been unplayable for the last number of years, into a state-of-the-art playing pitch. Liffey Developments (Dublin) Ltd were selected as the contractor following a detailed public procurement process. They have developed pitches at some of the prime locations around Ireland, including Ballyboden GAA Club and Father Collins Park, Donaghmeade, both in Dublin.  Groundwork is expected to take six weeks, weather permitting. The earth-moving, trenching and drainage should be finished before the new school year starts in September and, all going to plan, the pitch will be playable in a year"s time.  School principal, Martin O"Reilly, welcomed the news, saying he was delighted that the project was finally underway. Mr O"Reilly said: 'A playing and sporting area is badly needed to provide recreational space for the growing numbers of students at the school. Having such a facility will help develop sporting activities and provide easy access for teams to train.' He acknowledged that the school has been very fortunate to have such generous investment going into its environment during these economic difficult times. Mr O"Reilly noted that the school is a strong GAA nursery with a proud tradition in Gaelic Games, having captured the All-Ireland Vocational Schools" Senior Football title in 2007. Paul Jameson of Liffey Developments said the firm was delighted to be involved in this project and that any works which improve the quality of the playing surface and increase the usage of playing fields can only be good for the game and the sports stars of the future.