Flancare Park, the home ground of Longford Town, was passed fit today to host the club’s inaugural UEFA Cup tie against the Bulgarian Cup winners Liteks Lovech tomorrow night.
There had been speculation that the ground may not be fit to host the game because of the stringent regulations which govern spectator facilities at European games.
The ground and facilities were examined by a UEFA match observer yesterday, and while he had no difficulties about the pitch and spectator facilities, he had reservations about the dressing rooms.
Longford officials immediately rectified the situation and invited a second examination. The Norwegian observer then announced the ground fit to stage the club’s first game in European competition.
Last month the club benefited by way of a £150,000 grant as part of an overall £3.5million Sports Capital funding programme set up by the government to assist in the improvement of GAA, eircom League and rugby grounds across the country.
The transformation of Longford's home has been the most dramatic in the eircom League with the Strokestown Road home now virtually unrecognisable from a year ago.
"Our new 6000-capacity stadium is ready for the biggest night in the history of the club. And the same applies off the field," said the Longford Town manager Stephen Kenny.