Persistent rain leaves pitches unplayable nationwide

Persistent and heavy rain in recent months has rendered many sports grounds and playing pitches around the country unplayable.

In Co Louth, the GAA county board made a decision this week to postpone all games until next week because conditions are so bad.

Cooley Kickhams GFC is one club affected by the decision. However, the club has already been cancelling its own training sessions and matches at its grounds in Carlingford.

Club secretary Brian Rafferty said he has "never seen anything like" the recent rain and subsequently soggy pitches.

"We're six weeks behind with pitch openings. Our main pitch opened last year in the last week in February. The first time it opened this year was last Sunday and it's closed again on Monday. The rain has just been non-stop. It's held everything back," he said.

Walking around three different pitches at the club, Mr Rafferty described the conditions as "dangerous".

"You walk up here, it's just water under your feet. It's dangerous for a start, but there's no enjoyment for kids, there's no enjoyment for spectators and there's certainly no enjoyment for players," he said.

Despite having one sand-based pitch that is well drained, it too has fallen victim to the inclement weather.

"We've been using it, and thankfully have been able to play some football and do some training, but its gutters underneath the feet now, it's unplayable again," he said.

Aoife Treanor manages pitch bookings at the club for the GAA, LGFA and camogie from nursery level to seniors.

She described the situation as a "nightmare", trying to juggle bookings with training and match cancellations.

Ms Treanor said it is particularly hard for children.

"It's very hard for them. All they want to do is get out and play, they just want to