John Kelly Outlines Laois GAA Facilities Strategy

Laois GAA Safety and Facilities Officer John Kelly has outlined the scale of infrastructure investment and strategic planning currently underway across the county, speaking on the latest episode of the Laois Games and Gaels podcast.

John, A Park Ratheniska Clubman, operates in what was previously known as the Development Officer role, now oversees both matchday safety coordination and long term facilities planning for the county. His portfolio spans O’Moore Park, the Centre of Excellence and direct support to clubs pursuing capital projects.

The figures behind the work are significant.

€70,000 Returned to Laois Clubs in Latest Grant Round

At club level, development remains a central priority.

In the most recent round of Leinster Council development grants, more than €70,000 has been returned to Laois clubs. That funding supports projects such as:

• Dressing room upgrades

• Pitch development and drainage

• Floodlighting installations

• Astro training areas

• Ball walls

• Capital improvement works

Grant applications require detailed compliance and financial documentation, and the return of over €70,000 reflects both the volume and quality of development activity across the county.

Kelly’s role involves advising clubs on planning applications, funding streams and best practice in infrastructure delivery, ensuring projects are aligned with county and provincial standards.

€400,000 Energy Project Completed, Zero Direct Cost to Laois GAA

One of the most substantial developments delivered in the past year has been a major energy efficiency upgrade at the Laois GAA Centre of Excellence.

Key elements include:

• Full LED floodlight replacement on Pitches 1, 2 and 3

• TV standard lighting now installed on Pitches 1 and 2

• A large scale solar array fitted to the roof

• A dynamic battery storage system

The total value of the project was approximately €400,000. Importantly, the works were fully funded through SEAI grant support and Central Council funding, meaning no direct financial burden on Laois GAA.

The projected annual saving is in the region of €25,000 on electricity costs.

Over a five year period, that equates to an estimated €125,000 in operational savings, funds that can be redirected into coaching structures, player welfare and county team supports.

O’Moore Park, Targeted Upgrades Delivered

At county grounds level, incremental but important improvements have been made.

The main pitch at O’Moore Park has been fully redrained and fitted with a new sprinkler system, significantly improving surface performance during heavy rainfall periods. A robotic line marking system has also been introduced.

A new digital scoreboard has replaced the previous system, offering enhanced visibility and the capacity for digital messaging and advertising integration.

Accessibility upgrades have also been implemented in disability viewing areas, aligning with a broader objective to improve inclusion standards at the venue.

New Stand at Centre of Excellence Nearing Completion

Construction of a new stand at Pitch 1 in the Centre of Excellence is advancing and is expected to be operational for the upcoming season.

The addition will provide:

• Covered spectator seating

• Improved viewing conditions during winter competitions

• Enhanced capacity for juvenile finals and academy fixtures

With increased year round usage of the facility, the stand addresses a practical need for improved spectator comfort.

2026 Targets, Age Friendly Status and Facility Modernisation

Looking ahead, Laois GAA is targeting age friendly stadium status for O’Moore Park, with an audit planned in the coming months. Achieving this designation would formally recognise accessibility standards for older supporters and those with mobility challenges.

Attention is also turning to the dressing rooms and press facilities beneath O’Moore Park, areas that are increasingly viewed as outdated when compared to modern Centre of Excellence standards. Funding pathways are currently being assessed to modernise these spaces.

Long Term Vision, Indoor Dome Consideration

Beyond immediate upgrades, John is of the opinion that the potential development of a covered dome facility would be a target, in the longer term.

With increasing rainfall patterns and expanded integration across men’s, ladies and camogie codes, year round training access is becoming a competitive and logistical consideration.

While at exploratory stage, the concept reflects a wider ambition to future proof Laois GAA infrastructure for the next generation.

From €400,000 in renewable energy upgrades to €70,000 returned directly to clubs, the data points to sustained and structured investment across Laois GAA facilities.

As outlined by John Kelly, the focus remains clear, reduce operational costs, maximise grant funding, improve accessibility and strengthen infrastructure county wide.

Listen to the Podcast in Full.