Every school has that one space. You know the one – grey, tired, and mostly unused. In this case, it was a set of old tarmac basketball courts sitting idle at a busy secondary school in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. The hoops were rusted, the markings had long since faded, and more often than not, the space was left empty.
The school leadership knew they had a large footprint of outdoor space that simply wasn’t inspiring the students. They wanted something that could cater to multiple sports, withstand the Irish weather, and bring a bit of colour and energy back to the grounds.
That’s where we came in.
The brief was clear: transform the dead space into a vibrant, safe, and versatile sports area. Tipperary being a proud GAA hurling stronghold, the students needed a facility that could take a clash of ash as well as a kick of a ball. But it wasn’t just about hurling – the school wanted a surface that would suit soccer, PE classes, casual play, and structured running.
In short, they wanted an all-weather sports hub that the whole school community could enjoy, day in and day out.
Our CERTIFIED Schools Install Team got to work, and what followed was a complete transformation:
This wasn’t just about laying down a bit of grass. It was about creating a multi-use facility that could stand the test of time - and the Irish weather.
The contrast speaks volumes. From a cold, grey tarmac yard that echoed with emptiness, to a bright, welcoming, and inspiring sports arena.
Before: Tarmac courts, faded lines, rusting basketball hoops, and very little activity.
After: A lush green sports pitch with a striking red running track and a secure fence - now buzzing with activity every day of the week.
At SchoolsGrass.ie, we don’t just install artificial grass - we design solutions around the needs of schools. Every project is carried out by our in-house, CERTIFIED Schools Install Team, who understand the safety, durability, and compliance requirements of a school environment.
We’ve worked with primary and secondary schools across Ireland, and our projects range from simple play areas to full-scale sports facilities like this one in Tipperary.
When schools invest in a facility like this, they’re not just thinking about today. They’re planning for the next decade or two of students. This surface is designed to last 20+ years with minimal maintenance, meaning year after year, it delivers value, safety, and endless opportunities for sport and play.
And with our 10-Year Guarantee, schools have complete peace of mind that their investment is protected.
Sport and physical activity are a huge part of school life - for health, for learning, and for community. Facilities like this give students:
This project in Tipperary is proof of what can happen when you reimagine underused school space. From a lifeless tarmac yard to a multi-sport, all-weather facility, the difference is night and day.
Students now have a safe, colourful, and inspiring space to be active all year round - rain, hail, or shine.
If your school has a yard, court, or patch of ground that’s not living up to its potential, talk to us. At SchoolsGrass.ie, we specialise in turning tired spaces into safe, long-lasting, all-weather facilities that make a real difference to school life.
Call us today or drop us a message - we’d be delighted to chat through your options.
