New rabbit sightings threaten Laois GAA O’Moore Park pitch in Portlaoise again

Laois GAA is once again facing the prospect of having to close O’Moore Park for games after it was reported that rabbits have returned to take up residence under the pitch.

The renewed sightings of the rabbits were spotted by supporters on the terrace during the Laois v Kerry National Hurling League Final won by Laois. It is understood that they were seen on the terrace side of the field before disappearing, which has led to speculation that they may have taken up residence under the playing surface.

If the sightings are confirmed, it may force Laois GAA to close O’Moore Park until the rabbits have been relocated to a more suitable environment, as the structural integrity of the field cannot be guaranteed.

The reports have already drawn the attention of Rabbit Action Ireland, and their spokesman, Peter Burrows, from Warrenpoint, has called on Laois GAA to treat the rabbits in a humane manner.

He issued a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“These rabbits will have been through a stressful enough time as it is, the noise of the players running around overhead will have been very upsetting for these rabbits.

“I would call on Laois GAA to respect these rabbits and try to find a new home for them, preferably near another GAA pitch, so the transition is a bit easier for them,” said Mr Burrows.

Laois GAA was forced to take such action in 2014 after rabbits were found to have burrowed under the grass. Several club and county games were hit due to an extensive rehousing project that saw the animals were relocated to The Heath.

In a statement released at an emergency county board meeting, Laois GAA said: “We are aware that the rabbits are back, and have received a number of reports of rabbits seen running into holes on the field. We are currently looking into them.

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"We plan to implement a similar relocation programme mounted in 2014 following consultations with the people of The Heath," it concluded.

Rabbit Action Ireland have described the phenomenon as the ‘deruralisation’ of rabbits, and have called on Minister for the Environment Darragh O'Brien to commission a study into the issue in a bid to determine the exact scale of the problem which they say as been ignored by several Governments.