Republic of Ireland’s most sustainable hockey pitch has opened at Pembroke Wanderers HC in Dublin.
Pembroke Wanderers is the first club in the country to install this new pitch technology – second only to Banbridge Hockey Club.
The pitch is made from the sport’s most sustainable surface – Poligras Paris GT zero – a unique carbon zero hockey turf specially developed for the Paris 2024 Olympics and certified by the Federation for International Hockey (FIH) for dry hockey.
This state-of-the-art pitch has already garnered international attention – the USA Womens’ Hockey Team chose the surface at Pembroke Wanderers in preparation for their Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In front of a community of over 300 people, the ribbon was officially cut before the start of the Ken Treacy Cup – an annual tournament in memory of a valued Pembroke player. All funds raised from this tournament go to Beaumont Hospital Richmond ICU.
The new eco-friendly pitch was purchased through extensive fundraising by the club with support from the State’s Sports Capital and Equipment Scheme.
Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan said: “From hearing about Pembroke, in both its history and also its current wealth of work, it’s clear that this place is a thriving hub within this local community and within this sport.
“As well as significant fundraising efforts as a club, I’m proud that the state has been able to play a supporting role in making this pitch upgrade happen through the Sports Capital Grant. It is communities like this that create our future leaders, help with positive mental and physical health for our citizens and allow us all to share in something together.
“It’s very palpable today that this is more than just a hockey club and I am very proud, as your Lord Mayor, to officially open the pitch facilities today.”
