Shamrock Park
Ground redevelopment
A£1.8-million 1,840-seater stand was built at the unreserved end of the ground, replacing the "shed" and opened in late 2008. It was named "The MET Steel Stand" after Portadown's long-serving sponsors. At the same time, the pitch was moved closer to the Chalet end of the stadium allowing supporters from every angle to have a better view of the football. In early February 2009 the old floodlights were replaced with new 800 lux floodlights at each corner of the pitch.
International matches
Due to the extensive redevelopment of the stadium, the Irish Football Association has recognised that Shamrock Park is a venue that can be used for under-age Northern Ireland matches. Shamrock Park was chosen for the under-21 friendly between Northern Ireland and Ukraine on 31 March 2009.
On 24 November 2009 Shamrock Park staged its second international fixture, an under-23 match between Northern Ireland and Wales in the International Challenge Trophy.
In April 2014 the Sweden women's national football team beat Northern Ireland 4–0 at Shamrock Park. Swedish team manager Marika Domanski-Lyfors ridiculed the sloping pitch and inadequate facilities, saying they were wholly unfit for international matches and like a return to the 1980s.
References
- ^ "SHAMROCK PARK". Portadown FC. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
- ^ Hur kunde Shamrock Park godkännas för VM-kval? Damfotboll.com, 6 April 2014