Hastings MacHale Park presented with GAA National Pitch of the Year award.

ICL-sponsored award recognises standards in pitch preparation and presentation across GAA venues in Ireland.

Hastings MacHale Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo has been presented with the GAA National Pitch of the Year 2025 award at the League Final in Croke Park earlier this year.

Recognising The Work of Grounds Teams

Sponsored by ICL, the award recognises the work of grounds teams and volunteers responsible for maintaining high standards of pitch quality, presentation and performance across GAA venues in Ireland.

The 2025 finalists were assessed by Stuart Wilson (Grounds Management, Croke Park) and Ian McClements (iTurf Management), with pitches judged against more than 30 criteria including playing quality, presentation, performance and available management resources.

Hastings MacHale Park was selected as the overall winner, with Chadwicks Wexford Park named runner-up. SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones were also recognised as finalists.

The award reflects the significant work involved in preparing pitches throughout the season, often under challenging weather conditions and heavy usage.

A Deserved Achievement

Colman Warde, ICL Turf & Landscape, said: “We were pleased to see Hastings MacHale Park recognised with the GAA National Pitch of the Year award.

“This is a well-deserved achievement for the team in Mayo and reflects the high standards maintained at the venue. ICL is proud to support recognition for grounds teams and volunteers across GAA pitches in Ireland.”

The recognition is a credit to Head Groundsman Philip Heneghan and the wider team at MacHale Park for the standards maintained at the Mayo venue.

As part of the sponsorship, the winners receive a range of products and tools to support ongoing pitch maintenance and performance.

This year’s award highlights the continued importance of recognising the expertise, planning and consistency involved in maintaining high-quality playing surfaces across GAA facilities.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.com

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