New Covered Accessible Viewing Area Taking Shape at Laois Hire O’Moore Park
Significant progress is being made on a new covered accessible viewing area at Laois Hire O’Moore Park, as Laois GAA continues its work to make the stadium one of Ireland’s most welcoming and accessibility-friendly sporting venues.
The new facility is being developed for wheelchair users and other patrons with accessibility requirements. It will provide a dedicated, sheltered viewing location from which supporters can enjoy matches in comfort, regardless of the weather conditions.
The project has been in development for the past two years, with important funding secured from GAA Central Council in 2026. Construction work began approximately one month ago and is expected to be completed within the coming weeks.
Providing Protection in All Weather Conditions
An existing accessible viewing area is already available at the front of the main stand in Laois Hire O’Moore Park.
However, during periods of heavy rain and strong winds, that area can occasionally be affected by the weather, depending on the direction of the wind and rain.
The new covered structure will provide greater protection and ensure that wheelchair users and other patrons can watch games from a dry, comfortable and secure viewing area in all weather conditions.
This is particularly important during the Laois club championship season, when matches can take place across a wide range of weather conditions.
Giving Every Supporter Greater Choice
The development is about more than providing shelter.
The new area will also offer supporters a different viewing angle within the stadium. This will give wheelchair users and other patrons a greater choice regarding where they watch a match.
Most supporters attending Laois Hire O’Moore Park can choose between different stands, terraces and areas around the ground. This project is another important step towards ensuring that patrons with accessibility requirements are offered that same level of choice.
Creating an inclusive stadium experience means ensuring that every supporter can attend games safely, comfortably and with dignity.
Supported by GAA Central Council
Funding for the project was secured from GAA Central Council in 2026, with Laois GAA expressing its appreciation for the support received.
The funding has allowed the plans for the covered viewing area to move forward, following considerable work behind the scenes over the past two years.
Thanks are also due to everyone involved in the planning, funding and construction of the facility.
Ready for the 2026 Laois GAA Club Championships
Work on the new viewing area has been progressing well over the past month.
Completion is planned within the next few weeks, with the facility expected to be ready for use during the 2026 Laois GAA club championships.
Once completed, the project will represent another meaningful improvement to the matchday facilities at Laois Hire O’Moore Park.
It is a further step towards making the stadium one of Ireland’s most accessibility-friendly sporting venues and ensuring that every Laois GAA supporter can enjoy the action in comfort.
By Padraigh Dermody Fri 10th Jul
