GAA: On-field fracas could send Wexford stand to the wire

WEXFORD PARK, the centre of serious incidents during the past year, could be fenced off for the 2004 season.

County Board Secretary, Michael Kinsella, has warned that the stand in the new £3.2m stadium could be wired off to prevent spectators entering the playing pitch.

The County Board had decided against such action, but following serious incidents, moves are afoot to have the pitch fully enclosed.

Kinsella is also concerned for the safety of children who, he claims, are at risk of injury while running on to the pitch during pre-match warm-ups and intervals of big games.

“I have seen some incidents which have been frightening where children are concerned. Despite warnings, children continually go on to the pitch.

“We will move to prevent this”, he warned.

Kinsella was also concerned at supporters getting involved in incidents during games.”

During the 2003 championship Wexford referee John Denton was assaulted at the end of the Duffry Rovers-Horeswood county senior football final. Following that, Duffry players received hefty suspensions and the club was heavily fined. The fracas involved players and supporters.

Also, during the county minor hurling final between Askamore and Oylegate-Glenbrien, there was an incident involving players and officials, while substitutes and supporters also emerged from the stand.