No row over Rome, insists European GAA

EUROPEAN GAA officials have dismissed suggestions that they are upset by the decision to play the Railway Cup Hurling Final in Rome next month.

Though the Italian capital has no GAA team, club or activity, the European governing body fully support the historic venture which will feature Leinster and Connacht on November 8.

“European GAA is hoping that this Railway Cup Final is a fantastic success and we hope that it goes on to be a regular fixture on the continent in future years,” Development Officer Paul Larkin said yesterday.

“We are certainly not enraged,” Larkin added. “It is simply not feasible at the moment to play the final at any of the other clubs. It is extremely difficult to find a facility for a game such as this.

“Clubs here have to use cricket grounds, rugby fields or open sports facilities for games and then there is the whole insurance aspect for an event of this size. The reason that the game can be played in Rome is because of an embassy initiative and the fact that they have a private facility.”

The game will be played at the Giulio Onesti sports complex in the Parioli region of the city. The idea is the brainchild of Noel Walsh, Chairman of the Railway Cup Task Force, and is a unique departure for the Association as it will be the highest profile GAA game to be played in continental Europe.

The finalists will fly out of Dublin on Friday morning, November 7, and will return on the following Monday.

However, Larkin is hopeful that future finals can be hosted by European GAA clubs.

“We have been in discussions for the past number of months with Croke Park in relation to this and we have been asked to undertake a feasibility study.”

Meanwhile, TG4 has announced their upcoming club championship schedule.

On Sunday next, they will broadcast the AIB Munster Club Hurling first round clash between Clarecastle (Clare) and Patrickswell (Limerick) live from Cusack Park, Ennis, (2.45pm) while on Sunday November 2, they will broadcast the AIB Ulster Club Football Quarter-final Tyrone champions Killyclogher and the Armagh champions from 2.15pm.

The AIB Munster Club Hurling Semi-final meeting of Newtownshandrum (Cork) and Toomevara (Tipperary) will be transmitted live from Semple Stadium, Thurles on Sunday, November 9 at 2pm.