GAA pitch saved by spring water
By Mary Dennehy
THE sprinklers on Ballyboden St Enda's upgraded pitch have been happily sprinkling away since the hosepipe ban was introduced – catching the attention of locals and passersby .
However, The Echo has learned that due to a lack of rain the club dug deep for ideas on how they could keep their newly upgraded pitch in Páirc Úi Mhurchú watered over the dry spell – and went underground to find an alternative source.
Vivian Ruddy and Pat Walsh at the pump
After much research, the club drilled for water on its premises on the Firhouse Road and hit water at 70 feet – resulting in the club having its own well for the past three weeks.
Named Tobair (Well) Éanna, a submersible pump was installed to pipe the water along the pitch in Páirc Uí Mhurchú right up to the clubhouse – and this water from the well is being sprinkled on the pitch.
Vivian Ruddy of Ballyboden St Enda’s told The Echo that the water is currently being tested in the hope of using this independent source for showers, toilets and hand basins in the club house and dressing rooms.
“We only upgraded Páirc Úi Mhurchú last year and we were concerned that with the exceptional weather the pitch could die, so we sat down and looked at options for watering,” Vivian said.
“This well will save us money and reduce our water charges and rates, the long-term savings of this is huge.
“It will also help conserve water locally.”
Over recent weeks, Ballyboden St Enda’s has received a number of calls about their water use during a drought, and the club wants to allay people’s concerns and confirm that the water being used through the sprinkler system is from the new well.
