Fr Tierney Park (Ballyshannon)

Fr Tierney Park is a multi-purpose stadium located in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland. It is primarily used for Gaelic football and hurling matches, and is the home ground of the Aodh Ruadh GAA club. Fr Tierney Park has hosted several high-profile Gaelic football matches over the years, including National League and Championship games. The stadium is named after Father Tierney, a local priest who was a driving force behind the development of Gaelic games in the Ballyshannon area in the early 20th century.

General information

Arena capacity: 6,000 spectators

Address: The Rock, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 54.5044° N, 8.2073° W

Year of construction: 1952

Field: grass lawn with dimensions of 137 x 82 m

Seating plan of Fr Tierney Park

The ground features a covered stand along one side of the pitch, which provides seating for approximately 1,500 spectators. The stand is divided into three sections: the center section is reserved for club officials and VIPs, while the side sections are available for general admission. The remainder of the stadium consists of standing areas around the perimeter of the pitch. While there is no official seating plan available online, it is likely that seating is first-come, first-served within the covered stand.

Where to buy tickets?

Tickets for matches at Fr Tierney Park can be purchased directly from the Aodh Ruadh GAA club. Ticket information for upcoming matches is typically posted on the club’s website or social media pages in advance of the game. Alternatively, tickets may be available for purchase at the gate on the day of the match, although availability cannot be guaranteed. If you are unsure about where to purchase tickets for a specific match, contact the Aodh Ruadh GAA club directly for more information.

How to get there?

Fr Tierney Park is located in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland. Here are some ways to get there:

By car: If you have a car, you can drive to Fr Tierney Park by following the N3 or N15 highways to Ballyshannon. The stadium is located in the Rock area of Ballyshannon, and there is a car park available for spectators.

By bus: There are several bus routes that stop in Ballyshannon, including the Bus Éireann 480 and 64 routes. From the bus station, Fr Tierney Park is approximately a 10-15 minute walk.

By train: The nearest train station to Ballyshannon is Sligo Mac Diarmada Station, which is approximately 44km away. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Ballyshannon.

It is recommended to plan your route in advance and leave with plenty of time to arrive at the stadium before the match.

Where to eat and sleep?

There are several options for eating and sleeping near Fr Tierney Park, County Donegal. Here are some suggestions:

Accommodation: There are several hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts in and around Ballyshannon, ranging from budget to luxury options. Some popular choices include the Lakeside Caravan & Camping Park, the Sandhouse Hotel, and the Randwick Bed & Breakfast.

Restaurants: There are several restaurants, pubs, and cafes in Ballyshannon where you can grab a bite to eat before or after the match. Some popular options include The Thatch Bar & Restaurant, Dicey Reilly’s Bar & Restaurant, and The Fleet Inn.

Local shops: There are also several local shops and convenience stores in the area where you can purchase snacks and drinks for the match.

It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or for popular matches, as availability can be limited.

Facilities

Fr Tierney Park offers a range of facilities for spectators and players. Some of these include:

• Pitch: The playing surface at Fr Tierney Park is a standard-sized Gaelic football pitch, with markings for both Gaelic football and hurling.
• Dressing Rooms: There are separate dressing rooms available for both home and away teams, which include showers and other facilities for players.
• Medical Facilities: The stadium has medical facilities on-site for emergencies or injuries during matches.
• Concession Stands: During matches, there are concession stands available for spectators to purchase food and beverages.
• Toilets: There are toilets available for spectators throughout the stadium.
• Parking: There is a car park available for spectators attending matches at Fr Tierney Park.

Hospitality

The stadium offers a range of hospitality options for spectators who wish to enjoy a VIP experience during matches. Some of these options include:

1. Corporate Boxes: The stadium features several corporate boxes located in the main stand, which provide an elevated and private viewing experience for small groups of spectators.
2. Hospitality Suite: There is a hospitality suite available for larger groups of up to 50 people, which includes a private bar and catering services.
3. VIP Lounge: The VIP lounge is located in the main stand and offers a comfortable and spacious area for guests to relax before, during, and after matches.
4. Catering Services: The stadium offers a range of catering services for corporate boxes, hospitality suite, and VIP lounge guests.

These hospitality options provide a luxurious and comfortable experience for spectators who wish to enjoy Gaelic football matches in style. It is recommended to book these options in advance, especially during popular matches, as availability can be limited.

History

The stadium is named after Father Michael Tierney, a local priest who was heavily involved in the promotion of Gaelic games in the area. Fr Tierney Park was opened in 1952, and has since become a beloved venue for Gaelic football and hurling matches in the region. Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades, including the addition of a covered stand and other modern facilities.