'It won't be the cold, old Navan stadium that we all remember - cold seats and cold backsides'

They're demanding top standards from us and we have the best lads and machinery in the game to deliver it,” is what the Trim man and groundworks managing director spearheading the developments at Páirc Tailteann said on site as a new era of sport in Meath looms.

The Navan stadium is set to receive a number of welcome improvements, including a 5,000 seater stand, LED floodlights, and improved facilities within the ground. Trimplant is one of the key contractors for the project, as their services were enlisted by construction company Sisk, who are overseeing the plans.

Trimplant’s involvement will see them work on various parts of the stadium, from the development of meeting and changing rooms, to creating a new player’s tunnel to the pitch and state-of-the-art floodlight installation.

The Meath Chronicle was given the opportunity to get an in-depth look at the Páirc Tailteann development project’s progress, with Trimplant and their Managing Director Andrew O’Brien providing a fascinating insight into the €21 million project.

O’Brien restarted the demolition and groundworks company in 2023, after Trimplant was originally created by his father in the 1980s. Now, he leads a local team.

“The site team includes Project Manager and Senior Engineer Pat Canty, who previously worked with Trimplant up until 2009 before returning to the company in recent years.

“Local man Gary Woodruffe has been with Trimplant since I restarted the business and is the site foreman on the project, and Ben Holden is the junior civil engineer on the job. A former Meath hurler, Ben will no doubt hope to line out for Trim in future county finals in front of the new stand,” O’Brien said.” And our own John Quinn was captain of the Skryne team that won the Keegan Cup in 2004.”

Trimplant is made up of a workforce of 12, and O’Brien has also been focused on using local supplies.

“As it is a GAA community development, Sisk were keen to work with local contractors wherever possible. In turn, we have made a conscious effort to use local suppliers with strong GAA connections. Frankie Murphy of Trim Hardware, who played for both Meath and Trim, supplies all of our civils materials. David Bray of Roadstone, another former Meath footballer, also supplies materials to the project, along with Sean Dixon from Breedon and Boardsmill GAA.”

The locality of the team has led to a greater enthusiasm and excitement as they continue to progress, the managing director explained. “You know lads want to be working here and it's an interesting project. It's something that's going to be on the television and in the news forevermore, and so it'd be something we always have to look at. There's a great drive to get it delivered to the high standard and on time as well.”

When he is off site, O’Brien dedicates plenty of time to Trim GAA, as he is a member of the executive committee. “I've been a member of the club since I was eight years of age. I’ve played and managed there, so Meath GAA and Trim GAA are at my heart so that's why I'm delighted to be working on this.

“It's an exciting time and to have these new facilities and the stand. You're going to have better physio rooms and better spaces for teams coming in. It's going to be a place for kids who want to go and see games. It won't be the cold, old Navan stadium that we all remember - cold seats and cold backsides. It’s going to be inviting for people to come here.”

The Trim man also hopes that the development encourages the next generation of players, and build enthusiasm for sport in the Royal County. “I hope it boosts numbers to stay involved - that's one thing that clubs around the county struggle with. Players get to senior level and they drop off. But if they see an opportunity to play in front of a stand like this, it's going to hopefully keep people involved.”

In terms of Trimplant’s backing, O’Brien feels the full dedication of Sisk.

“Sisk were very supportive in appointing us to the project. There’s pressure on it because we have to make sure it's top quality and we get it delivered on time. We started the first week of March and we expect to be finished in April 2027. We're hoping to have it open for the championship next year, so we have to deliver our part, and the pressure's on. We'll always have to look at this, so the quality has to

be 100 per cent, and that's what we're striving to achieve.

“With the quality of what Sisk is demanding, it'll be great for Meath GAA because it'll be a very well finished product - they're getting great value for their money with Sisk. They're demanding top standards from us and we have the best lads and machinery in the game to deliver it. It’s on programme, it’s on budget, and we’re going to keep it that way.”

O’Brien described the timing of the project as ‘perfect’ thanks to the improved success of Meath teams, and he looks forward to visiting the new ground when it starts to welcome fans.

“I've been coming here as a supporter since I was eight or nine years of age, and coming here to play, manage, watch Trim play, watch Meath play. To know that I'd be able to bring my own kids here, and knowing that we were a huge part of the new stand, that could be very satisfying for the rest of my days.”