WITH Thomond Park basking in the glory of two sell-out concerts, the nearby 51,000 capacity Gaelic Grounds, which previously shunned live gigs, is now determined to get into the act.
The Limerick Post can exclusively reveal that Futureama Productions are working in tandem with GAA management to bring top class performers to the venue.
Last week, the Limerick Post confirmed that Peter Aiken Promotions has entered into a two-year deal with Thomond Park management.The Gaelic Grounds, which, like it or not has become a somewhat overlooked Cinderella building of late, has confirmed it is working with Futureama Productions
Donal Fitzgibbon, former chairman of the County GAA Board, confirmed that floodlighting will shortly be installed in the stadium.
“The floodlighting will be up and ready by September and yes, we are looking for permission to put on concerts”.
Reminded that since the stadium was refurbished, residents have frequently registered their objections to live concerts. Mr Fitzgibbon said there had been a proviso in An Bord Pleanala’s permission to the grounds’ renovation, that planning permission would be required for any live stage performances.
“We are currently in negotiation to set up a meeting with the city council to discuss bringing in a major event to the stadium – Fran O’Donnell, Futureama Productions, is handling this for us”.
Confirming that there has been discussion with some major promoters, Mr O’Donnell said they are “very favourably disposed to bringing top acts to the Gaelic Grounds- it is the only game in town as far as they are concerned.
“There is an excellent traffic management plan already in operation in the area for the matches that could be rolled out for the concerts, Bus Eireann, which has delivered a terrific bus service for the matches, could be relied on and there’s also a fabulous area for the artists’ trucking, which does not impinge on the roadways.
“The floodlighting and other facilities will be going in September and this, combined with the grounds’ proximity to the city centre, nearby hotels, shops, restaurants and general facilities, makes it ideal – actually the promoters rate it above Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork for performances.
“Actually the project has got underway already, with the Australia versus Ireland (Aussie Rules combined with Gaelic Football) match which will be played over a number of days, with various activities surrounding the event, in October..”
This season has seen a decline in the number of major matches being played in the Gaelic Grounds.
“Limerick will never be a centre for Waterford matches, Clare and Tipperary play in Limerick but Waterford is closer to Thurles or Cork . If we draw with Cork or Tipperary we have a home and away arrangement for the matches,” concluded Mr Fitzgibbon.
