The Sports Turf Research Institute - About STRI

Richard Hayden B.Agr.Sc., C.Sc., M.Eng

Director of Operations

Contact Richard Hayden 

Richard joined STRI in 2005 coming from a practical golf course operations and consultancy background. Since 1996 he worked as an equipment operator on international tournament quality golf courses such as Mount Juliet and the K Club while studying for National Certificates and Degrees in Agricultural Science at WIT and UCD followed by a Master of Engineering at IT Tralee.

Richard’s reputation in successfully managing and delivering difficult and high profile stadium projects has grown considerably since joining STRI. Clients appreciate Richard for his practical approach, dedication and ability to troubleshoot and manage complex situations and projects across the globe.

Key Projects 

Pitch Management
Pitch management for major events is a major part of Richard’s role. He has worked with the promoters of U2, Bon Jovi, Robbie Williams, Take That and many more. Richard has specialist experience and knowledge of how events come together and the interaction with the grass, stage and pitch protection. Richard was involved in the introduction of pitch replacement plans and the interaction between the U2 360 stage and various pitches in Europe. 

The RDS Arena
Considered one of the more complex projects undertaken, the job involved digging out, replacing and reconstruction of the 200 year old RDS Arena. So successful was the project that the Arena is now considered in World Show jumping circles as the best worldwide and is also home to Leinster Rugby.

Croke Park
Through a practical partnership approach with Croke Park, contractors and STRI, Richard oversaw what was one of the most dramatic transformations of a pitch surface ever. In 2009 Richard led the STRI team that removed the pitch mid season, and replaced it with just hours before the first match.

Wembley National Stadium
Richard led the team that replaced the infamous Wembley pitch following high level criticism in 2009. Together with fellow consultant, Andy Cole, and the groundsmen at Wembley, Richard has continued to deliver good quality pitches throughout the year.

Aviva Stadium
Reconstruction and replacement of the new Aviva Stadium pitch in Dublin, Ireland with state of the art technology.

Other International Projects
Consulting on behalf of UEFA for Euro 2012, the 2009 UEFA Cup Final in Istanbul, The GAA, FIFA, Shakhtar Donetsk and FIFA.

 
Register
 
Back to the top of the page

 
Back to the top of the page