BY RONAN SCOTT

R.SCOTT@GAELICLIFE.COM

DERRY'S recently refurbished county ground Celtic Park has been held up as an example to every other county ground for their provision of facilities for the disabled.

The Gaelic Gaels Access Association, the body which ensures accepatable provision for the disabled, undertook a survey of the newly-refurbished venue and they were very impressed with what they saw.

Spokesperson for the association, Aidan Crossan said: "On behalf of our Association, I wish to congratulate everyone involved on the very accessible accommodation at Celtic Park, Derry for persons with a disability. Especially those persons confined to their wheelchair. This development is a fine example of what is required at all GAA stadiums for accessibility, viewing and toileting."

The vote of confidence is a massive boost for the county who only opened the venue at the start of the championship, when Derry hosted Monaghan.

In response to the favourable review, the Derry county board released a statement that said: "The main points of note which impressed the visitors following the inspection were directional signage to the stadium throughout the city, signage to the accessible entry area, accessible parking bays, excellent viewing areas in the new covered stand for wheelchair users and accessible toileting.

"The report provides further proof that Celtic Park is now in the premier league of modern stadiums that host Gaelic Games in Ireland."

Those patrons who have yet to visit Celtic Park since it was upgraded, will find a very different one than the one they remember. As well as the facilities for the disabled, the county board have installed a covered and seated stand with provision for 3600 people, as well as low-level fencing around the pitch and a new press facility and control complex.

The county board are still not finished with the venue and there are plans in place to upgrade the terracing behind the goals at the end of the ground opposite to the club house.