Maguire’s Field is located on the University of Limerick South Campus. The facility is home to the Kennedy Cup and both Limerick and Clare GAA use the facility for training and match play. Professional athletes, sports scholarship students & casual users alike benefit from the facility
Because of the professionalism and quality of previous builds TPS were awarded the project, which included, four synthetic 3G football pitches, two full-size 3G GAA pitches, one natural grass GAA pitch, a natural grass multi-sport training area and three hurling walls. A new running trail, floodlighting, high voltage power connections, concrete stands, roads, carparks and landscaping.
Challenges
Described by the University of Limerick’s Director of Sport and Recreation, Dave Mahedy, as being “developed from practically a swamp”, the creation of the huge complex presented a number of challenges.
· The work was carried out during one of the wettest autumn-winter periods on record, which caused a high-water table. As a result, ground stabilisation and specialist LGP machines were utilised to achieve the project on time, despite the adverse weather conditions.
· An unrecorded, large-diameter trunk water main that ran through the site – which the Tony Patterson team diverted into a safe-zone. This adaptability was integral to the success of the project, with potential time delays avoided with traffic management systems being implemented to coordinate work access and deliveries.
· The sheer size and scale meant that logistically the construction phase had to run with clockwork precision –the project required over 4,000 lorry deliveries.
· Due to the site being a thriving and vibrant campus access for students and the public to live and work undisturbed had to be maintained .
Environmental Protection
As the site included designated protection areas, being environmentally sensitive was at the core of every stage of the development and the emphasis on sustainability extended beyond the facility. As well as the natural turf pitch having a dense, strong, and resilient sward, the development included the creation of a wildflower meadow. Specific trees and shrubs were planted and tree protection works were carried out on existing landscapes, while specified root zones reduced the requirement for watering and fertilising.
Rainwater harvesting and attenuation systems were installed to recycle water for irrigation, as well as utilising materials which reduce life cycle costing and therefore waste.
Advanced Technology
The project also included a number of technologically-advanced solutions. LED floodlighting and LED amenity lighting were chosen to illuminate the site.
Software was specifically written for the smart-integrated control booking system.
New high voltage electrical upgrade works were also carried out across the facility and throughout the university campus.
Results
The Maguire’s Pitches project – part of the university’s new €7m sports campus – has been well received by students,visiting athletes and university staff, as well as the general public, who have access to the facilities.
“Every night of the week somebody is on the pitches,” says Dave Mahedy, Director of Sport and Recreation. “It’s a great addition to the community, to the college and to Limerick.”
Gerard Cunningham, the university’s Sports Facilities Manager, stated, “The facilities are a massive contributor to the success we’re having. All our pitches cater specifically to different sports,which is a huge advantage for our students.”
According to Gerry O’Brien, the university’s Deputy President, ‘The facility strengthens the institution’s reputation as a leader in sports. Our state-of-the-art campus has been enhanced further with the completion of this project and reaffirms our status as one of the best in Europe. We acknowledge the role of sport in shaping our students who are the centre of this institution’s focus and their campus experience, both inside and outside of the lecture halls, is at the core of our commitment to them.”
The 38-week construction project was delivered on time and on budget.
Every time you train, you need to push harder than you did the day before. Your pitch should push back. Take 5 and join us for a coffee and FREE Consultation. Chat to one of our sports engineers and discover what opportunities are available for you and your team. Transform your pitch and provide your athletes with a playing surface which is always up to the test.
