Carrick Swan GAA Club are very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr James Healy renowned Agronomist and Turf/Grass Consultant from Ennis, County Clare to project supervise the construction and instalment of our two new pitches at Ballyrichard Road.

James has a wealth of experience on such matters having previously been involved in GAA pitch development projects at Passage West, Mitchelstown, Ballyporeen, Foynes, Askeaton, Crusheen, Roscrea, Dingle to name just a few.

He has also helped develop such acclaimed golf courses as Faithlegg, Killarney, Lahinch and Kinsale to again name just a few.

James will carry out his duties in three main phases, without going into too much detail the following will be his responsibility,

Phase one will deal with site analysis, design specifications, bills of quantities and the tendering process. Once quotations are received the club officers and James will meet to decide and appoint the main contractor.

Phase two will be to oversee the actual construction of the pitches and ensure all materials used meet specified standards as well as liaise with the contractor and designated members of Carrick Swan Club.

Phase three will be to monitor the grow in/establishment of the pitches by recommending fertiliser and pesticide schedules, grass cutting height schedules, aeration and over seeding schedules.

While we do not have a definitive start date yet it is anticipated that the initial spray off of the existing growth will begin in February with the pitches construction to take place any time after March/April but this will be totally dependent on the weather as no soil work can take place if the weather is very wet.

We will also be erecting security fencing all around the site once we have the final levels established.

So there you have it, the dream of so many is about to be fulfilled at last thanks to the wonderful people we have in the club and all who support our fundraisers. Without you it would still be only a dream. I will keep you all updated as the project progresses.

May I take this opportunity of wishing you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Sean O’Shea

Club Development Officer.