All-Ireland hurlers left out in cold by GAA

THE opening up of Croke Park by the GAA to soccer and rugby in 2007 was universally hailed as a positive step in helping to bring together the different traditions on this island.

It was a magnanimous gesture to the FAI and IRFU while Lansdowne Road was being re-developed. By their actions, the GAA projected a progressive image of the Association which had until then been portrayed as narrow, bigoted and insular. What a pity this sporting ecumenism does not extend to the Dublin and Galway Under 21 All-Ireland hurling finalists for 2011, seeing as Croke Park has been ruled out for staging the final.

Every All-Ireland final should be held at Croker. The GAA is not just a sporting organisation, it is the heart of an army of people who subscribe to the notion of loyalty to the common good. It belongs to the teachers who give their time freely, to those who wash the jerseys, make the tea and sandwiches, mark the pitches and erect the nets, exclusively on the premise of volunteer participation. They are as much part of the team as the players and would also like the honour of seeing the final played at GAA Headquarters.