The Terryland Park groundsman, Noel Connolly, was presented with the 2007 eircom League Groundsman of the Year award during the FAI Ford Cup final on Sunday.

Connolly has been maintaining the Terryland pitch for 12 years and the quality of the playing surface earned admiration from all around the eircom League of Ireland last season.

Galway United's home was one of three grounds shortlisted for the award ? with United Park, Drogheda and Turners Cross in Cork also nominated. The shortlist was compiled by the league's referee panel and the three selected grounds were then subjected to a detailed inspection by the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG).

Noel Connolly was thrilled to learn that Terryland had earned the Institute's verdict.

"I am delighted to receive the award. While it is obviously important to maintain a high quality playing surface, the general presentation of the ground is also very important, especially with the increased television coverage this season."

Terryland Park is owned by the Galway and District League so, as well as hosting all Galway United home matches, the pitch is also used for that league's matches. Connolly admitted it makes his job that little bit more difficult.

"Terryland Park is used 12 months a year - for the eircom League of Ireland in the summer and then junior football in the winter - so the pitch faces different challenges depending on the time of year."

The Scott's Fertilisers sponsored award was presented to Connolly at half-time in the RDS on Sunday and Terryland Park will also receive €1,000 worth of fertiliser.

Donal Kearney of the IOG was full of praise for Connolly's work. "When deciding on the winner we don't just look at the quality of the surface. Other factors, such as the input the groundsman has into maintaining the ground, and the technical knowledge of the groundsman also come into play. We were very impressed with Noel and he is a worthy winner."

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