Nearing perfect pitch at HQ

The new pitch being laid at Croke Park is gradually being revealed as an exceptional surface, and the reseeding process is on schedule to be completed well before the stadium's first use in the Leinster championship on June 23rd.

It was clear yesterday that progress has been significant in recent weeks. The first layer of grass is already laid down, and work on the seeding of the top layer will be proceed as planned next Friday.

"They've even been working on it under lights at this stage," said a spokesperson for Croke Park. "It is still a slow enough process, but once the seeding begins on May 10th it should be ready within a matter of weeks."

Already, though, the remarkably smooth surface is visible, and it is certainly a major improvement on the rough and lumpy areas that at times were also visible.

Last month the Leinster Council were concerned about possible delays in the reseeding process, and moved the second football semi-final back to June 23rd, which could well involve Dublin and Meath.

But it was decided that the first semi-final, to be played on June 16th, should go ahead at a provincial venue. The pairing there is a little less certain, though it is likely to be Offaly and Kildare, and Portlaoise is likely to be the venue.

The redevelopment of the Hogan Stand is also nearing completion, with just one final section of the roof yet to be raised into position. Seating is already being laid on the upper tier and segments of that are expected to be in use for the games on June 23rd.

Incidentally, the new section for team substitutes and selectors will be located at the bottom of the new Hogan Stand. Only the team manager will be allowed to patrol the sideline under the new championship regulations, but not all GAA grounds have yet made the necessary adjustments. It is not yet clear, however, how much protection the substitutes will get at Croke Park from the surrounding crowd.