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Bohs 'delighted' to share grounds with bitter rivals

BOHEMIANS Football Club said they have no problem sharing their grounds with rivals Shelbourne FC.

Dalymount Park was sold to Dublin City Council for €3.8m last week.

It will mean a total revamp of the stadium to match major European club venues, but may also see the grounds shared with fierce rivals Shelbourne FC.

Shelbourne was already offered to play on the revamped pitch but declined due to its own leasing and ownership issues at Tolka Park.

agreements

However, Dublin City Council (DCC) has now said that the door is open.

DCC's Cormac Healy, who is project manager of the redevelopment, said sharing the pitch with the team was "certainly part of the discussions".

"It really is an open playing pitch at this stage," he said.

Bohemians president Matt Devaney said that Shelbourne was still "welcome" to play at the stadium.

"Initially when this kicked off, we were well aware that it would happen," he said.

"Through meetings, we drafted agreements of how it would work if the two of us were here.

"I think we need to get away from one-upmanship where we are content and another club has to suffer, that's not the way that the league is going to progress.

"As I said we were in discussions and I'd be delighted for them to come," he said.

The redevelopment is proposed to include a "plastic pitch", gym facilities and a museum.

According to the club owners, the four seating stands may be redeveloped.

A timeline has yet to be established for the works and DCC cannot say when construction will begin.


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