Left to Right: Terrence McShea (IISS Advisory panel) Sheamus Howlin (Chairman of the Leinster Council) Donal Kearney (Managing Director IISS)



The Irish Institute of Sports Surfaces (IISS) www.irishsportsurf.ie has unveiled a new awards scheme to recognise and reward the high standards of groundsmanship achieved by Ireland’s volunteer Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) groundsmen.

The Playing Surface of the Year Awards have been created in association with the Leinster Council of the GAA and specialist grass seed breeder Barenbrug by the IISS, a newly-formed body dedicated to promoting and implementing the professional development of people who maintain and manage sports surfaces in Ireland.

Sheamus Howlin, Chairman,of the Leinster Council of the GAA.

"The Club is the heart and soul of the GAA. All our players begin their sporting careers with their local club. Good playing conditions are essential for the development of their skills and their enjoyment of the game. Anything that encourages and promotes the development and maintenance of our club pitches is to be supported. Leinster GAA is happy to be associated with the Club Playing Surface of the Year Award and wishes The Irish Institute of Sports Surfaces the very best with this project. The involvement of grass seed specialists, Barenbrug, is a very positive and encouraging factor."