Galway chiefs call for final to be switched from Semple

GALWAY chiefs have demanded that Croke Park officials switch this year’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC final to a neutral venue claiming that opponents Tipperary have an unfair advantage in Semple Stadium.

The GAA revealed in May that the U21 decider would be shifted from the Sunday billing it has shared in Croke Park in recent years with the senior and junior camogie finals, to a Saturday night double-header under floodlights with the All-Ireland U21B HC final in Thurles.

However Tipperary’s qualification for the final has compromised the plans to hold the match in Semple on September 11th. Four years ago, Tipperary were defeated by Kilkenny in an U21 final replay at the stadium but Galway hurling board secretary John Fahey was adamant last night that the game must be moved.

He said: “After our semi-final win over Dublin on Saturday, we learnt that Semple Stadium was the venue being mooted for the final. We wrote to Croke Park on Monday evening and stated clearly that we want the GAA to find an alternate venue for this game.

“They have an unfair advantage if the game is played there. You can’t equate it to 2007 when we faced Dublin in Croke Park in an All-Ireland final. That’s the national stadium whereas Semple Stadium is where these Tipperary players play regularly and it is their training ground. We’ve no problem with Semple Stadium as a pitch and venue but lets be fair it’s a completely different story when we’re facing Tipperary in an All-Ireland final. If the match is moved, the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick or O’Moore Park in Portlaoise would be the likely front runners.”

Kerry and Meath are contesting the U21B final, and geographically both venues would suit the four teams involved. Tipperary U21 boss Ken Hogan admits he is in the dark but states they will accept whatever venue is decided.

“I don’t know anything about the venue. We went to Tullamore on Saturday, it was a fabulous venue and everything worked well. We have got to play wherever we’re put. Everyone loves to play in Semple Stadium but whatever venue is picked will be good enough for both teams.”

Meanwhile Galway attacker Richie Cummins is set to undergo intensive rehabilitation in order to be fit in time for the U21 decider. Cummins, who was on the Galway senior panel this season, was withdrawn at half-time of last Saturday’s semi-final win over Dublin with an ankle injury that has dogged him all summer.

The Gort player, who was the goal-scoring hero for the county minors in last September’s All-Ireland hurling win, would be a loss if ruled out with St Thomas player Bernard Burke the most likely replacement.