Storms bring down floodlights

A Christmas present that no one wanted!

It was a shock for everyone on Sunday 22nd December 2024 to hear that the club floodlights had been severely damaged by the storms blasting the whole country. After Storm Darragh at the beginning of the month, the strong winds continued throughout December and eventually the centre floodlight column on the Belfast Road side of the pitch succumbed to the pressure and was blown down across the car park at Soapy Joe's car wash.

Fortunately no-one was injured by the collapse and cars parked nearby escaped any damage. However the perimeter fence was a cropper as the 18 metre column came crashing down.

Pitch closed to all users

Emergency action was taken to move the column out of the way in the car park and to ensure the floodlight electrics were made safe. The Club Executive Committee also took the decision to close the pitch to all users, until the remaining five columns could be checked for damage and any remedial work actioned.

In the interim, the following alternative arrangements have been made:

• Mid-week club training - The Ropewalk Synthetic Pitch at Three Ways Community Centre, Well Lane, off High Street
• Youth hockey on Saturday mornings - Newry High School
• Club home matches - Markethill High School

The club committee are very grateful to Newry High School, Markethill High School and to the Three Ways Community Association for making their facilities available.

Repairs being planned

The initial assessment of all the the structural damage was hampered by the timing of the collapse, as all the floodlighting and fencing contractors had just started a two week break for Christmas and the New Year.

All engineers and our club insurers have now been engaged and the committee expect the pitch to be reopened, without floodlights, in February. Floodlight and fencing repairs should follow in March.