For thousands of people around the country, artificial pitches are something of a godsend, enabling training and matches to go ahead in the depths of winter, when natural ground is often overwhelmed by frost or excessive rain. Without them, sporting activities would, for many GAA, soccer, rugby and other clubs, frequently grind to a halt for many months a year.
Which is why the controversy surrounding them now, and the regulatory environment turning against them, is something that’s likely to impact a great many communities across Ireland.
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