Croke Park 'should be used more often'

THERE needs to be more sustained debate about opening up Croke Park, the Donegal County Secretary Noreen Doherty says in her annual report to the county convention next week.

The question is asked whether Croke Park is economically viable in its present state. "This fine stadium hosted the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics before a worldwide audience.

"The fact that Croke Park is only used 21 days in a calendar year for association games begs the question, is it economically viable," says Ms Doherty, and she suggests the time has come for a more progressive attitude towards the opening up of the stadium for other sports.

Meanwhile, Kildare secretary Richie Whelan has taken a swipe at Meath referee Séamus McCormack following his performance in this year's Leinster football final.

In his report to the Kildare convention, Whelan says the decision to send off Kildare midfielder Alan Barry as "baffling."

He also questions the late appointment of McCormack, who was given the game at short notice after the original appointment, Gerry Kinneavy, was withdrawn.

"One wonders why the referee was changed only days before the final commenced," he says.

Whelan recalls how both Barry and Wright had their appeals against the sending-offs thrown out by the GAC, in contrast to Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton, who had his suspension reduced from three months to just four weeks.

"The Kildare players sent off in the final appealed the ref's decision to the GAA, however, both appeals fell on deaf ears. Yet, it is hard to understand how a player from a neighbouring county had his suspension reduced."