27 September 2019
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Ballincollig RFC has appointed McSherry Electrical to install a new floodlighting system on the first pitch at Tanner Park following an extensive tender process.
Mallow-based McSherry Electrical has installed over 400 sports lighting systems nationally and internationally, including the Aviva and Millennium Stadiums.
Construction and installation of the LED system from Musco Lighting is estimated to take 10-12 weeks and it is hoped that floodlit games will be taking place at Tanner Park before the end of the season.
Commenting on this latest phase of the development, Ballincollig RFC President Jim Nyhan said:
“This is another significant step in implementing our Development Plan. Demand for floodlit rugby is growing all the time and this installation will enable the club to play night-time games throughout the winter months. We look forward to the first of many games under lights at Tanner Park and feel it will bring another dimension and experience for our members. These are very exciting times for the club.”
In May 2019, the club appointed Sports Turf Solutions to construct two new full-sized pitches to replace the existing second pitch and training area. Construction, which began in June, included the installation of a full drainage system and two new sand-based grass pitches and, was completed in August 2019. The new pitches will be out of commission for all of the 2019/2020 season to allow the grass to bed in fully and will be ready for use by the start of the 2020/2021 season.
Pictured at the announcement were: Jim Nyhan, president; Trevor Dineen, chairman; Robbie Ormond, vice-president; Colm Kenneally, Sports Turf Solutions; Niall Fitzgerald, Horgan Lynch; Neil Jeffries, Hon. Treas.; Cormac Quish, Quish’s SuperValu, Ballincollig (main sponsor); Fergus Burke, head coach; Neil McSherry; Harry Walsh, chairman of Rugby.
Pic: Brian Lougheed
Pictured at the announcement were: Jim Nyhan, president; Trevor Dineen, chairman; Robbie Ormond, vice-president; Colm Kenneally, Sports Turf Solutions; Niall Fitzgerald, Horgan Lynch; Neil Jeffries, Hon. Treas.; Cormac Quish, Quish’s SuperValu, Ballincollig (main sponsor); Fergus Burke, head coach; Neil McSherry; Harry Walsh, chairman of Rugby.
Pic: Brian Lougheed
Jim Nyhan added:
“The club wishes to thank our main club sponsors Quish’s SuperValu, without whose continued support the Development Plan would not be possible.
We would also like to thank our club members, sponsors, local businesses, the local community and everyone who has supported us in our fundraising efforts to date. The completion of our Development Plan will allow Ballincollig RFC to become a key community facility for everyone to enjoy in the coming years.
Fundraising activities will continue over the coming months to support the next phase of our Development Plan.”