GAA condemn train violence

The GAA yesterday released a statement unequivocally condemning the violent incidents on the special passenger train from Cork to Tipperary following Sunday's Munster hurling championship tie between Waterford and Tipperary.

The journey was severely disrupted when fighting broke out among up to 30 rival Tipperary supporters. Extensive damage was caused and the train was forced to make an emergency stop just outside Cahir - at which point most of the troublemakers jumped off.

The association pledged to take "the strongest action possible against any individual found guilty of this violence" and also stated that the people who perpetrated the violence "have no place in the association and discredited both the GAA and its countless supporters".

On behalf of all GAA members, the association expressed its disgust with the incidents and also offered an apology to Iarnrod Eireann, its staff and all of its genuine supporters and other passengers who were effected by the "mindless acts of a minority".

Gardai boarded the train in Cahir, although no arrests were made. However, it now appears that strict measures will be put in place for future special trains, including a possible ban on alcohol.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney will be the venue for the Munster football championship semi-final between Cork and Kerry on June 18th.

There had been doubts whether the stadium could fulfil the necessary safety measures following an assessment last week but at an Eircell award meeting in Dublin yesterday, county board chairman Sean Walsh stated that the venue would be available to hold in excess of 48,000.

Kerry manager Paidi O Se has been assured that Maurice Fitzgerald hasn't been affected by a minor knock suffered in last Saturday's challenge game with Tyrone. He missed a club game for St Mary's on Sunday as a precaution and is expected to be near full fitness in time for the Cork game.

Former Kerry captain Liam Hassett was presented yesterday with the Eircell GAA All-Star Player of the Month award for April. It followed his determined display in the National Football League semi-final in Thurles on April 23rd when, playing at full forward, he scored three points in Kerry's narrow defeat to Meath. He becomes the first Kerry player to receive the award, and the first player from a losing side.

Elsewhere, New York will make their first appearance in championship hurling this Saturday when they take on Down in the Ulster quarter-final at Casement Park. And according to Down hurling secretary Jim Keenan, it's going to be more than just a "run out".

"I'm led to believe that they are a fairly handy side. We beat them in the All-Ireland B final in New York two years ago but they've come on a lot since then. Right now we have some major injury problems so we're certainly not looking beyond this game," said Keenan.

The winners of this tie will face Derry on Sunday week in a semi-final double-header with the Antrim and London game.