Hurling finalists join forces against Croker

THE choice of Croke Park for the Allianz NHL final between Tipperary and Kilkenny next Monday has been criticised in both camps with DJ Carey predicting the game would not attract a big crowd.

The game, set for 3.45 and to be refereed by Pat O'Connor from Limerick, will be preceded by the Division Two final between Antrim and Kerry. GAA President Sean Kelly explained why the GAC had opted for headquarters instead of either Semple Stadium or Nowlan Park.

"The thinking as far as I understand is very simple," Mr Kelly said. "It would have been the preferred option to play the final either in Kilkenny or Thurles but neither venue is available due to refurbishments.

"So we're playing it here in Croke Park. That's the only viable alternative at this point in time."

He believed the GAC wished to play it at either of the competing counties' venues, agreeing it would be 'the most practical' thing to do.

"There was a decision taken a couple of years ago, after the (football) League final was played down in Cork, that future National League finals would be played in Croke Park where at all possible and practicable," Mr Kelly added.

Tipperary chairman Donal Shanahan expressed surprise with the choice of venue despite the circumstances. Mr Shanahan said: "It's hard to see how Tipperary supporters will travel to Dublin in big numbers. Thurles would have been the ideal venue."

Kilkenny PRO Ned Buggy explained that if Nowlan Park were to have been considered then development work aimed at having the capacity increased to 35,000 for the June 8 Leinster hurling championship game between Offaly and Wexford, would have been delayed.

In Thurles, the roofing of the redeveloped old stand has yet to be completed but even by using the new stand and both terraces it's claimed the ground could take a 30,000 crowd, adequate for the attendances which have been recorded at recent finals.

DJ Carey expressed the view that while it was every player's ambition to play in Croke Park, its choice on this occasion was unwise.

"I feel that we will find it very difficult to see our fans coming in droves to Croke Park when the belief is that the venue should be Kilkenny or Thurles and if they were not available, Portlaoise, because it can hold 30,000.

"I'm of the same opinion. We shouldn't be coming to Dublin to play a National League final on a bank holiday Monday.

"I just think the crowd won't be there and I don't think it's a wise decision."