A NEW agreement that has seen Trinity College Dublin acquire the Iveagh Grounds in Crumlin will mean the future of the site as a sporting facility has been secured for the long term, it was announced last week.
In a major move, Diageo Ireland confirmed that the college is the new owner of the grounds in Dublin 12.
Originally established in 1928 for the benefit of Guinness workers the grounds have not operated as part of the company for more than two decades
They are currently managed by the Guinness Athletic Union (GAU), an independent club with a broad membership from across the community.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Trinity is assuming ownership, control and management of the Iveagh Grounds.
It is planned that the GAU and its clubs will enjoy continued access to the facilities at preferential rates.
The GAU will also continue to offer recreational and function rooms, which are an important local community asset.
The grounds are a 17-acre facility in Crumlin, including GAA, rugby and hockey pitches and are among one of the largest sporting grounds close to Dublin city centre.
The vision outlined in the new deal is to create a hub of outdoor sports facilities that fulfils existing and future demand, engages, attracts and increases activities at participation and performance levels for students and serves the needs of the community sporting groups.
Commenting on the acquisition, Trinity Provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast, said: “For some time we have been looking to develop more off-campus sports facilities for the benefit of our students.
“We are delighted to have acquired the Iveagh Grounds for that purpose.
“The facility will be developed further in time for student sports complementing our other campus sports pitches at College Park and Santry Sports Grounds.
“We look forward to presenting the development plans for the new sports facility to the Trinity Community of students, staff, and alumni, and our external partners in the near future.
Kieran Gowing, Diageo Ireland Finance Director, added: “We have spent a number of years working to find a new ownership structure for the Iveagh Grounds.
“Our aim throughout this process was to secure the long-term future of the grounds as a sporting facility and ensure the GAU would be part of that future.”
“We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Trinity, who have a brilliant reputation and record of operating sporting facilities and working with community and other groups to maximise their benefit for both students and the wider community. We end our association with the Iveagh Grounds knowing they are in excellent hands as they enter an exciting new era.
“We would also pay tribute to the board and members of the GAU and their chair, Eddie Tyrrell, who put enormous effort into reaching an agreement on the future of the Iveagh Grounds.