Walsh Park, situated in the scenic town of Waterford, Ireland, stands as a premier Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) stadium. This esteemed venue is named in tribute to Willie Walsh, a distinguished referee and fervent supporter of Gaelic games, who made significant contributions to the sport in Waterford. As a central hub for local Gaelic athletic activities, Walsh Park serves as one of the two principal home grounds for the Waterford Gaelic football and hurling teams. The other key location is Fraher Field in Dungarvan. Together, these venues play a crucial role in supporting and showcasing the region’s rich sporting heritage and community spirit.
The Walsh Park renovation project involved a wide-ranging and detailed scope of work aimed at upgrading and modernizing the Southern Stand. This extensive project began with the complete removal of the old seating, which was replaced with a new, strategically arranged seating layout to enhance spectator comfort and viewing experience. Additionally, significant modifications were made to the front of the Southern Stand, including the removal of the existing dugouts and the realignment of the pitch fencing to improve functionality and aesthetics. A key feature of the upgrade was the construction of a state-of-the-art media center located at the rear of the stand, designed to meet modern broadcasting and press requirements. Furthermore, the sanitary facilities servicing the stand were also upgraded to provide improved amenities for attendees.
In parallel, the construction of the new North Stand was undertaken, which involved the installation of a tiered concrete slab supported on piles, and the construction of concrete stairs at both ends of the stand. The project also included the implementation of new site services, such as storm drainage systems and service ducts, to ensure efficient management of water and utility services. The complexity of the project was compounded by the need for extensive demolition work, particularly within the constraints of a restricted urban site, which required careful planning and execution to manage the challenges of the location.