Often, success is a case of taking gradual steps, getting closer to the prize before finally claiming it.

We’ve seen plenty of examples of that on the pitch – and it is literally the case for Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.

Mayo’s home recently won the GAA’s Pitch of The Year Award, coming out on top just ahead of Chadwicks Wexford Park while the shortlist also featured Cork’s SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and St Tiernach’s Park in Clones.

The chairperson of the GAA’s national pitch workgroup, Stuart Wilson, outlined the process involved in choosing the winner.

“All the grounds were assessed against more than 30 criteria including pitch playing quality, pitch-presentation and performance as well as taking account of the resources available for management.

“The extreme weather conditions and very high usage levels made the preparation of pitches extremely challenging and the condition that these finalists achieved at the time of our visit highlighted the level of dedication and commitment of both the staff and volunteers involved.”

A major catalyst was the resurfacing at the Castlebar venue from 2021-2022, but to reach the top of the charts is the culmination of a long journey for groundsman Philip Heneghan.

Tending the pitch

Someone who has graced the hallowed turf of Croke Park as an umpire for both John Gilmartin and Jerome Henry, Philip certainly knows what a good pitch looks like – his involvement with MacHale Park stretches back four decades.

Back then, it was in his capacity as a Castlebar Mitchels clubman that he got involved in tending to the pitch; being a mechanic by trade meant he was also able to maintain the machines that were used.

Then, when Mayo County Board took over the facility on a long-term lease in 2005, the role became a full-time one.

“When I got involved with the county board, we got an advisor,” he says, “and I’m given a programme for the year and that’s followed up on.

“The fact that I am full-time means that I can get a lot done during the day, during working hours. When I was working somewhere else besides, I was always running and racing to get it cut and get it marked.

“I wouldn’t be on the main pitch the seven days, I’d be on it maybe five, repairing things and getting ready for games coming up. On the training pitch, there nearly would be something every day.

“I’m on my own for much of the time but I have lads to come in after a game, to repair the divots.

“They’re very helpful, good lads now, and it’s great to have the assistance.”

This time of year, there are county teams at senior, U20 and minor to balance; then, with the nature of the split-season, the latter part of the year brings lots of club activity.

Philip is grateful for the understanding and patience of the various stakeholders.

“All county finals are played on it,” he says, “so we have an average of 100 games a year, because they play all the under-age and everything, Cumann na mBunscol.

“County training would depend on the management. At the moment, we have a manager that’s very accommodating in Andy Moran – he doesn’t want to abuse it, he wants to keep it for games.”

In the 2000s, extensive drainage work was undertaken, with a strong sanding programme implemented each year. However, the surface itself had become uneven in areas and was in need of some TLC.

Approval for major remedial works – including a lengthening of the pitch – was given in 2020 and work began in August 2021.

“The resurfacing was done four years ago,” he says.

“It was gone to a stage which it was very hard to maintain it and so the county board took the decision to start from scratch again.

“All the other surface had to be removed, started off at the bottom again and a new grass base put on it.”

It meant no fixtures there for Mayo in the 2022 Allianz Football League – neighbouring counties Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo hosted ‘home’ games – but the short-term pain has been more than outweighed by the long-term gains.

That has all led to the national recognition and a presentation ceremony, including products and tools from sponsors ICL, TurfCare and Campey Turf Care, will take place at Croke Park to coincide with the national league finals.

Of course, glory was never the objective for Philip – he is just happy that he gets to do something he loves for a living.

“That’s what it is,” he says. “I do always say to the county board that I’m not here for the money.”