Cork County CC - A touch of the Blarney!
The city of Cork lies in the south west of Ireland and is often regarded as the rebel city, being thus described in the 17th century; "they trust not the country adjoining [and only marry within the town] so that the whole city is linked to each other in affinity."
Corkonians speak with an accent quite unlike the rest of the country, the spoken word being both fast, musical and undulating - imagine County Cork's famous son, Graham Norton, after a few glasses of his favourite wine! Famous sports stars from the city have included Denis Irwin, Roy Keane and rugby legend Ronan O'Gara.
Sadly, for Cork County Cricket Club, whose ground sits in one of the lowest parts of the city, the affects were devastating. General Manager and Groundsman, Matt Reed, comments; "The severity of the major flood in 2009 was a man-made event and we hope that future occurrences like this can be avoided." Fair comment, no doubt.
That said, the problems associated with looking after such a low lying ground in, what is, one of the wettest countries in Europe, are many. "Our ground is in the Mardyke area of the city and, as the name suggests, this is a region that was once wetlands and waterways, which was subsequently drained. Consequently, the native soil is largely silt. The ground level, being at most only a couple of feet above high tide, means that drainage is a major issue. French drains have been attempted with little success. The project for the near future would be to raise the square."
"All my previous work was in hospitality," explains Matt. "I was a playing member of the cricket club and had shown some practical abilities through various building projects, and even project managed the redevelopment of the clubhouse after the 2009 flood. I was asked if I would be interested in working on the grounds as the then head groundsman, William Bradley, was retiring from the job. His initial guidance was helpful, but I then did my own web based research and used resources such as Pitchcare and sought guidance from those in the industry, eventually attending courses run by Len Smith, the former head groundsman at Sophia Gardens. Meeting with other groundsmen and speaking with technical experts encouraged me to delve deeper into the scientific aspects of turf care."
"In the beginning, I was working on the grounds during the day whilst continuing to work in hospitality at night, but the job is now full-time."
Matt is responsible for all budgets. "As general manager, I am tasked with ensuring the financial stability of the club. This is done primarily through the bar, function facilities and squash club. I report to the committee. A major aim of mine is to focus funds towards the development of playing and training facilities and also the development and maintenance of the clubhouse and bar."
He has an assistant groundsman, Oscar Cotter (22) who is doing his second summer. "He also doubles up as an excellent barman," confesses Matt. "A vegetable and herb plot is a new addition by Oscar. Fresh mint for our mojitos and salad for our sandwiches has been a handy perk."
The outfield is cut twice a week, using a Robin ride on triple cylinder mower, to 12mm and the square is cut once or twice a week as required. New wicket preparations begin two weeks in advance of planned use. Solid tining is undertaken at the end of season. "With my square, I have found that increased tining has assisted in reducing organic matter and has encouraged deep root growth," says Matt.
"Effective fertilisation is one of the key elements of my work. This is done every four to six weeks; mostly lower nitrogen granular feed supplemented with a liquid seaweed extract. The seaweed extract is helping maintain the pH value for rye grass. Everris Renovator Pro and an autumn fertiliser, BioAtlantis Ocean Green Complex with micro nutrients, are used."
"In addition, I carry out regular scarification throughout the summer and use selective herbicides as and when necessary. I try to delegate as much rolling as possible to whoever is willing and able!"
"At the end of the season a full renovation of the square is carried out, including a thorough scarification, solid tining, sarrel spiking, overseeding or reseeding, topdressing (heavily for the last few years with five tonnes at a time) and fertilisation. Over the last two years, I've completely reseeded the square using Limagrain's MM50; the results have been pleasing."
"Budgets are tight and more could always be done, but the last few years work has been satisfactory in maintaining good performing wickets," states Matt.
"Advances in techniques and products are continually evolving, thereby allowing for the general improvements in the standard of sports turf facilities, yet the cricket groundsman is generally undervalued; the job often falling to whoever is around at the time, or willing to take it on. Clubs investing in longer term arrangements with their groundsmen and assisting ongoing education would result in better facilities all round, which is what we are trying to achieve here. Higher quality playing surfaces will continue to raise the profile for the turfcare professional."
Asked if he attends industry shows, seminars, demo days, road shows his reply was short. "No, but it would be great to have more opportunities to do so!"
Due to flood damage, all buildings were gutted and renovated in 2009. "Luckily, insurance covered most of the expenditure and we now, again, have excellent facilities," confirms Matt. "Most building and maintenance work is carried out or overseen by myself."
"With cricket growing strongly in Ireland, and especially with Cricket Ireland pushing towards a first class structure, my club aims to be the first choice venue for matches held outside of Dublin and the North. An excellent, international standard facility has been developed in Malahide just north of Dublin, proof that cricket in Ireland is moving in the right direction."
What's in the shed?
Triple cylinder outfield mower
Ransomes Super Certes 51 cylinder mower
Husqvarna ride on rotary mower
Bomag heavy roller
John Deere pedestrian rotary mower
John Deere scarifier
Local company, Geaney & O'Neill Ltd., who specialise in the maintenance and sales of professional turfcare equipment, do all works. "I find that well maintained machinery allows work to be done when needed, reducing the hassle of untimely and expensive breakdowns. Also, having the ability to maintain and repair machinery oneself, i.e. having basic mechanical knowledge, is an important part of the job."
"Oh, and my wish list would include a vertical action aerator. At the moment, all aeration equipment is hired in."