'The Paris turf does what it says on the tin'
The beating heart of Ireland’s hockey scene on why they selected Polytan’s Poligras Paris GT zero turf and how it’s helping them meet their goals.
The decision to install the Paris GT zero turf at Banbridge Hockey Club’s Havelock Park is more than an upgrade; it's a bold step forward, blending the club's rich heritage with a commitment to sustainability and elite performance.
Neil Madeley, the dedicated Head of Senior Hockey with 47 years of commitment to the club, and John Bell, the Honorary Secretary, whose lifelong devotion and family legacy are deeply intertwined with the club, personify the essence of Banbridge Hockey Club.
Their leadership reflects a club that is as much about passion as it is about performance. They talked to Poligras about why they chose the Paris turf and how this decision ties into the future ambitions of the club.
On the club’s history and community…
Dating back to 1897, the club has become a cornerstone of the local community, fostering a deep sense of belonging among its multi-generational members. From nurturing young talent to leading senior teams, we cater to the full life cycle of hockey players and enthusiasts.
The club's achievements, including being league and cup champions, playing in and hosting European Hockey League (EHL) games, and hosting the EY Champions Trophy Finals weekend underscore our standing as an innovative force in Ireland's hockey community.
Our men’s team are three-time champions and the current title-holders of the EY All Ireland League, and we are currently on top of the league this year. This year, we’re to host the EY Champions Trophy Finals weekend, which will attract some 1500 spectators and offer global live streaming through Hockey Ireland.
On Banbridge’s international pedigree…
Over the years more than 30 players from the club have played for the Irish men's team. Currently, four of our senior men are just back from the FIH Pro League in India and from the recent past, Eugene Magee stands out. He has 295 international caps, the most for an Irish player, and retired in 2019 after 14 years with the national team.
On selecting the Paris Olympic turf…
In a significant move for our club, we transitioned to the innovative Poligras Paris GT zero in 2023. This decision wasn't taken lightly. To ensure we were making the best choice, we collaborated with Ashley Appleby and Colin Ashton from Polytan UK and visited the Hamburg Polo Club in Germany, as they were the first to install the Paris turf.
We experienced the turf's performance in both wet and dry conditions. The positive feedback from the Hamburg players, coupled with our own impressions, solidified our decision to bring this turf to our club.
We even shifted from green to blue turf, a decision that has been met with enthusiasm from our players and visitors, who love its striking appearance. LED lighting has elevated the visual impact of the blue turf, creating a spectacular sight that underscores the turf's exceptional quality. It's evident in every step that this turf stands apart in the Irish market, earning rave reviews from our players and becoming the chosen base for the Irish team.
“Poligras Paris GT zero not only meets but exceeds expectations. It offers the fast play that senior players prefer while maintaining control and playability across all age groups… the Irish team will use it as their base because they realise that it is the best surface in the country.”
On the turf’s quality and performance…
It absolutely does what it says on the tin!
As soon as you walk on it the quality of the turf is obvious. Poligras Paris GT zero not only meets but exceeds expectations. It offers the fast play that senior players prefer while maintaining control and playability across all age groups.
The players are delighted, and the Irish team will use it as their base pre Olympics because they realise it is the best surface in the country. It’s a testament to our commitment to providing the best facilities for our club, for Ulster and for Hockey Ireland, enhancing our capacity to host significant events, such as the EHL.
On embracing sustainability with dry performance…
The club has its own water bore, so water conservation, or the cost of water, is not a particular issue for us but we’re very mindful of the need to reduce our environmental footprint and this pitch is a massive step in the right direction both now and when the pitch needs replaced with its recyclable attributes.
However, we’re certainly fully aware that the game is moving in this direction, so the wet/dry crossover performance of the Paris turf is appealing because of future-proofing, which is crucial for applying for grant funding for future projects through sustainability points.
The turf certainly requires less water to maintain its playability, and we have seen a cultural shift with players happier for the turf to need less water than previous. There used to be talk about ‘have you watered the turf’ but this is not the case anymore.
Interest in the turf's dry performance has resonated with other clubs and schools in Ireland, showcasing its adaptability to our climate – especially as in Ireland it is never bone dry!
Poligras Paris GT zero turf has been transformative for us, not only in enhancing our club's facilities and sustainability practices but also in reinforcing our position as a forward-thinking and innovative club in Ireland's hockey community.