Limerick NOT going to the dogs! - January 26,
2001
The GAA aren't the only Irish sports body who can be mean spirited when it comes to sharing facilities. Bord na gCon - the Irish greyhound racing authority - last night firmly slammed the door on soccer making a return to Limerick's Markets Field.
Long the spiritual home of Limerick soccer, the venue will no longer be required for greyhound racing once a new dog track has been developed in Greenpark.
With its grandstands and bar facilities, Markets Field would make a perfect home for Limerick FC - currently playing at the less-than-hospitable Hogan Park - and the rental would be a source of income for the greyhound people.
Sadly, the venerable stadium looks certain to be lost to Limerick as a sports facility. The Greenpark development will cost around IR£10 million - and Bord na gCon are set to finance it by sacrificing Markets Field and their city-centre offices to the wrecking-ball.