THE GAMES Administration Committee of the GAA failed to sort out its fixture schedule last night. It will be lunchtime today before the revised fixture list is announced. The committee sat until a late hour as they tried to organise a fixtures list which includes the quarter-finals of the National Football League, as well as the Railway Cup football semifinal replay between Ulster and Monster.
That game is likely to be played at Thurles as part of a double bill with the hurling final between Monster and Connacht. Portlaoise is also being mentioned as a possible venue. It is understood that contact will be made with a number of counties this morning before a final decision is made.
Part of the difficulty involves the fact that April 6th and 7th are set aside for the annual Congress, which is being held in London this year. It was feared that many delegates might be tempted to leave early if the matches in the National Football League were fixed for the Easter weekend. It is hoped that a clash with league fixtures can be avoided.
Supporters attending the All-Ireland club hurling and football championship finals at Croke Park on Sunday are advised that the Canal End and the upper deck of the New Stand will not be open. Stiles for all other parts of the ground will open at 12.45.
Adults will be admitted to the Hogan Stand and the lower deck of the New Stand for £5 and to Hill 16 for £3. Students with identity cards will be admitted at all three areas for £2 and children for £1. Senior citizens with valid pension books will be admitted to the Nally Stand free. Children in groups will also be accommodated there, free of charge.
The Dunloy-Sixmilebridge match is due to start at 2.0 and the Eire Og-Laune Rangers match at 3.30. Patrons are reminded that they should avoid the centre of Dublin on their way to Croke Park because of the St Patrick's Day parade. Parking facilities are available at Clonliffe College (Drumcondra Road entrance), at O'Connell Schools and the Mater Private Hospital in Eccles Street.
Two changes have been made in the Leinster team for their Bank Holiday Monday clash with Munster in the Railway Cup final. Dave Martin from Meath and Larry Murphy from Wexford have been replaced by John Power, at centre forward, and Denis Byrne from Kilkenny, at left corner forward. Power was under suspension for the previous match and Byrne was successful against Connacht in the semifinal when he came on as a substitute and scored three points. He now retains his place.
In spite of poor form in some of their National League matches of late, notably against Galway, Offaly provide no fewer than six players for the Leinster side, managed by Tom Neville while Laois. Wexford and Kilkenny each provide three players.
