LAUNCHED A general view of the Heroes Wall last week. Pic: Mayo GAA
Mike Finnerty
ALL the premium tiles on the Laochra Maigh Eo - Heroes Wall at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar are to be replaced.
Mayo GAA chairman Seamus Tuohy confirmed at last week’s County Board meeting that ‘an issue arose’ in relation to the premium tiles (which cost €1,000 each) that needed to be addressed.
The Mayo News has learned that an e-mail was circulated last week to all patrons who had purchased premium tiles explaining that ‘spacing issues’ had arisen and assuring them that the problem would be addressed.
“Everything looked excellent but there is an issue around the premium titles that we need to address,” admitted Seamus Tuohy.
“An issue arose when they were being erected, so it was too late at that stage to change it.
“The tiles went up but we have been in contact with the supplier, which is UK-based, and we will be replacing the premium tiles. It’s unfortunate but that’s the way it is.
“Outside of that the feedback was very very positive and everybody was delighted with their tiles, so it’s a small thing and we can address that situation,” he added.
The Heroes Wall features photos of Mayo’s All-Ireland winning teams of 1936, 1950 and 1951 surrounded by tiles purchased by Mayo fans to remember and acknowledge their own ‘hero’ in their family, circle of friends or a loved one.
All funds raised from the sale of the tiles (approximately €250,000 in total) went towards the redevelopment of the playing surface at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.
Pitch needs rest periods
MEANWHILE, the newly-resurfaced pitch ‘is not open to all teams at this particular time’ because it is still ‘in the development stage’, according to Seamus Tuohy.
“It took the game [Mayo v Galway] quite well but we had very favourable weather conditions etc,” he told delegates.
“There are rest periods that will be involved and we need to manage the situation going forward to give the pitch every opportunity for our teams down the line.
“One thing I would say, is that it’s not open to all teams at this particular time. We have to manage the situation.
“The pitch was in excellent condition on Sunday and everything went very well, outside the result. So we can all be very proud of the pitch.
“But we need to protect the pitch and manage the pitch going forward.
“It needs to be aerated and sanded and will continue to be cut every second day.
“So the pitch is in excellent condition but is in the development stage,” he concluded.
