There will be no competitive hockey played in Fermanagh after the only hockey club in the county decided to no longer play their homes games at the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown due to the condition of the pitch.

Enniskillen Hockey Club played their first home game of the season against Castlederg at the venue but took the decision after that game to no longer use the hockey pitch due to health and safety concerns.

As there is no other facility in the county that can cater for the Ladies Senior team they have had to find alternative venues with Fivemiletown College holding their most recent game against South Antrim last Saturday.

Glenda Ealgeson, chairperson and team captain explained that the pitch was not fit for purpose and after 20 years in use needs work done to it to bring it to the proper standard.

“We won’t be playing another home match in the county of Fermanagh unfortunately,” said Ms. Ealgeson.

“The pitch condition is unplayable. We did play a home match against Castlederg and the amount of falling, slipping and sliding, it’s not worth it for health and safety.

“I would say if Ulster Hockey did check it, it would be deemed unplayable and the Council know this.”

And with no home pitch available in the county, Glenda feels that the future of the club is at stake.

“The Bawnacre is the last pitch in the whole of the Fermanagh and Omagh area that’s Council owned. Every other pitch is privately hired. We will have to pull the plug if we can’t get proper facilities.

“The Bawnacre pitch is just too dangerous. And that is no fault of Bawnacre staff, it’s just that the carpet is done. They go out regularly and sweep and clean it but any rain at all and the dirt just comes up and is slippy again. It’s done. It’s 20 years old now.”

The hockey club have already moved their junior teams into Enniskillen due to the state of the Bawnacre and with membership growing, on top of the success of the team last season when they won Junior 6 section and the Junior Plate and have taken a step up to Senior 3 hockey this season, it is frustrating for the club and Glenda believes the success must be built on.

“With the success of hockey last year and how we have built ourselves up to this and there is no reason why we can’t go higher and higher. But we can’t because we need proper facilities for both juniors and seniors. If there are no facilities you have nobody coming through.”

A spokesperson for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said: “Council officers are in contact with Enniskillen Ladies Hockey Club and representatives of the Education Authority NI regarding the provision of a flood lit hockey pitch going forward.”