"There are better pitches in Phoenix Park."
Cavan continued their unbeaten start to Division 2 on Sunday, producing another fine performance to see off Cork 0-11 to 0-14. Unfortunately, much of the post-match discussion focused on the state of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Last year, we couldn't help but get excited at a virtual tour of the stadium while it was still under construction.
Complete with impressive graphics and concept art, Páirc Uí Chaoimh looked like a modern marvel, a resplendent and distinctly modern fortress fit for Championship games and World Cup rugby matches (of course, it ended up going to France).
However, Páirc Uí Chaoimh wasn't looking too healthy this weekend. Unsurprisingly, people noticed - and they weren't too pleased. I mean, just look at the absolute bloody state of it below.
https://twitter.com/cullen_doc/status/967813709723766784
Fergal Greenan, on Twitter, pointed out that the GAA needs to splash some more cash on grow lights.
https://twitter.com/FergalGreenan/status/967814506775744513
With that yawning new stand, Páirc Uí Chaoimh is often left in darkness. Because of that, the surface is suffering and it's really beginning to rear its ugly head.
It's a new stadium, yes, and it will take some time before it's perfect, but that surface was nowhere near fit enough to have two games played on it on Sunday, with Cork's hurlers hosting Waterford in their Division 1A clash.
On its website, Páirc Uí Chaoimh is described as a 'state of the art facility.' It'll take some serious work to get it to a point where we can agree with that billing.
https://twitter.com/_FeachNews/status/967769925791178752
