Kerry concede home advantage to Limerick as Tyrone strike it lucky

Jim O’Sullivan

Kerry conceded home advantage to Limerick after high-powered talks between both sides in advance of last night’s GAC meeting in Croke Park. And Omagh was decided as the venue for the other semi-final on a toss.

In Division Two, Down and Derry will meet in Clones, while Portlaoise hosts the Kildare/Offaly tie.

While Limerick manager Liam Kearns had indicated that he was not interested in Kerry’s offer of a toss for choice of home venue - preferring Páirc Uí Chaoimh as a neutral ground, where they will play their opening championship game - discussions yesterday paved the way for an agreement for Kerry to play in the Gaelic Grounds.

A statement issued by Board PRO Willie O’Connor pointed out that it had been decided “in the interests of their players, supporters and county committee” and had the agreement of the team management.

As part of the agreement, Limerick will travel to Kerry for their (knock-out) game.

A Limerick board spokesman thanked Kerry, commenting: “This is our first time in a Division One League semi-final and the match has generated huge local interest. Now we can go ahead with a big double bill, with our hurlers playing neighbours Clare in the League the same afternoon. They don’t come any more attractive than that.”

The Board is hoping for a crowd in excess of 30,000, with their share of the gate boosting fundraising to pay off the 12m debt on the magnificently redeveloped stadium.

While Tyrone manager Mickey Harte had expressed a preference for Croke Park for their semi-final - and Galway were also reported to favour this arrangement - a double bill was never on the cards because of

economic considerations.

Interestingly, Tyrone County Secretary Dominick McCaughey complained in his annual report that playing last year’s semi-final there (against Fermanagh) along with the other

semi-final between Armagh and Laois, had not been financially rewarding.

On the day, the attendance was a mere 27,000 and after deductions were made, the share-out among the four semi-finalists was minimal.

Deductions of 20% for rent, 24% for the general League ‘pool’, 5% for the Players Injury Scheme and 6% for the Public Liability fund, along with expenses, were made before it was divided among the counties.

Allianz NFL semi-finals, April 18: Division One: Tyrone v Galway, Omagh, 3 pm; Limerick v Kerry, Gaelic Grounds 4pm;

Division Two: Down v Derry, Clones, 3pm; Kildare v Offaly, Portlaoise, 3.30pm.