Tullamore's capacity to be tested by big clash

GIVEN THE GAA spent the opening weeks of the championship flagging various ticket packages and other promotions in an effort to increase or at least maintain attendance figures, the decision to fix Saturday’s hurling blockbuster between Kilkenny and Galway for O’Connor Park in Tullamore would seem a little contradictory.

With a capacity of just 20,000, and the game itself designated “all-ticket”, it may well be that demand will outweigh supply – especially if the fine weather continues – and that some travelling supporters will end up being turned away.

Live television coverage on RTÉ 2 will certainly cater for some of the interest, but either way there won’t be much breathing space at the venue come 7.0 on Saturday evening.

In addressing the matter yesterday, GAA president Christy Cooney explained that the venues for all such provincial games were determined by the provincial councils – in this case Leinster – who in fact agreed several months back that the semi-final pairings would be played in separate venues.

“It was the Leinster Council who made that decision,” said Cooney. “It was their judgement call, that there wouldn’t be any more than 20,000 there, and they’re certainly in the best position to do that. So I’m not going to prejudge any situation arising.

“Hopefully it will be the case that we won’t have any difficulties, but I expect they have done their research, spoken to the counties, and it won’t reach any more than 20,000. It should be a packed stadium and a wonderful occasion and that’s important because hurling does need those type of games. It’s also interesting that the Féile is on this weekend as well, between Birr and Tullamore, and that should add some more spice to the occasion.”

The other semi-final involving Dublin and Wexford goes ahead on Sunday, in Nowlan Park. Part of the reasoning behind fixing the semi-finals for separate provincial venues, rather than take them to Croke Park for a double-bill, was that there was an open draw after the quarter-final stage, and interest wouldn’t have been as strong had Kilkenny and Galway been kept apart.

Cooney expects Galway to put it up to the All-Ireland champions.

“I think it will be cracker. . . Galway are well capable of putting it up to anyone, but Saturday is an important day, and I hope they perform well. . .

“Overall I don’t think we can judge the inclusion of Galway and Antrim just yet. It has to be judged over the three-year trial period, but I would hope it not only enhances the game of hurling itself, but also the Leinster championship.”

Yet the lacklustre feel to last Sunday’s Munster semi-final between Limerick and Waterford suggested even the Munster hurling championship may be growing stale – and that the GAA needs to reconsider the option of the open draw.

“We’re not going to look at options yet,” noted Cooney. “Let’s see how this option goes first. A lot of effort has gone into this to make it work. And while I thought the Tipp-Cork game was outstanding, I suppose the game between Waterford and Limerick didn’t reach expectations. . . But I do think you’ll see a far superior hurling game next Saturday.”

Meanwhile Cooney described Monday’s meeting between leading GAA officials and the Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson in Stormont as “just a courtesy call” which didn’t touch on any major policy issues.

“It was really just a social meeting. First Minister Martin McGuinness was also present and it was very cordial, and we were very well received. But we didn’t get into any major policy issues whatsoever.”

Finally Cooney said the continuation of the players grant scheme, introduced last year with the backing of the GPA, was essentially a matter for Government.

“That’s a matter for Martin Cullen, his department, and the Sports Council,” said Cooney. “We’re not involved in any financial package, but I’m sure they will convey to us in due course what they intend to do. We would still support the scheme . . . As long as the Government is able to make the money available.”