Trinity College plans to purchase Iveagh Grounds
By Maurice Garvey
THE historic Iveagh Grounds in Crumlin are on the cusp of a new era – with Trinity College close to taking over ownership of the site from Diageo.
Currently no sale has been agreed but Trinity’s Department of Sport and Recreation plan to purchase the site for a new sports campus.
The grounds were bought by the Earl of Iveagh and formerly owned by Guinness – the Guinness Athletic Union (GAU) was established for employees in 1928.
The GAU, which has over 1,500 members spread across a range of sports and age groups, remain in situ at the grounds, but members fear they will be pushed out, or expected to pay “scandalous” rates, when Trinity arrive.
The Echo understands that the club is currently close to €2.5 million in debt – and Diageo have subsidised club accounts – paying out approximately €200-300k annually over the last 10 years.
GAU members held a feisty AGM on Tuesday night, during which members unanimously agreed not to be moved out of the grounds.
A local source said: “There was talk of leasing out the bowling green for €100k a year. The GAU was set up as a social not-for-profit. No way are we going to be railroaded. Over the last 10 years, there has been an ongoing deficit and Diageo are pulling the plug.
“The grounds have great facilities, not all of it is used, but it is open to the community. You do have to be a member, but for €100 you get the use of the bowling, pitch and putt, bar and all the other facilities.”
He continued: “The committee are saying there is no deal with Diageo and Trinity and that the club never had to sign anything with Diageo. The club are unanimous that they are not moving out or paying scandalous fees.”
A spokesperson for Diageo told The Echo that the company have been working on a “sustainable solution” to secure the grounds for sporting use, and provide the GAU with a “significant cash offer” to invest in the club.
A Diageo spokesperson said: “For the last number of years, Diageo has been working with a variety of stakeholders to secure the Iveagh Grounds for sporting use, and provide a sustainable future for the GAU. Earlier this year we reached outline agreement with a third-level institution that would be willing to take on ownership of the grounds.
“The proposal put forward by the company reflects the original ambition to preserve the land for sport, while allowing the GAU sports bodies to access the grounds in addition to other rights in relation to the pavilion and bar.
“As part of the proposal to the GAU, Diageo has offered to provide significant financial assistance to support the costs of the transition over the next two years. This will provide the GAU with the resources to be on a more stable financial footing and therefore ensure a sustainable future for the club.”
