Light is cast on pitch problems at Croker’s Canal End

THE Canal End of the new Croke Park pitch, has undergone remedial work over the past number of months following complaints from players.

"They (stadium authorities) looked at it scientifically and discovered that the problem was caused by a lack of light. Algae had grown on the pitch, so it was sprayed and it was re-seeded," GAA president Sean Kelly said yesterday.

"Now, in order to ensure that there is enough light there, artificial lighting (and heating) is in place. The problem was caused by the height of the stand and the lack of light throughout the playing season."

Meanwhile, Dublin County Board will decide later this month whether or not they will play any of their home games in the NFL at Croke Park.

Secretary John Costello was speaking after their opening match at Parnell Park attracted an attendance of just over 7,000.

"We looked at various options in advance. Last year there was a crowd of 54,000 in Croke Park for our first-round game with Armagh, but circumstances were different. We were after winning the Leinster championship and were just beaten by the width of a post by them in the All-Ireland semi-final. Armagh went on to win a historic first All-Ireland and they had a huge following.

"This year we had no real baggage with Tyrone. We played them in the third round of the League last year (in Parnell Park) and they had a very depleted team because of the involvement of players with Errigal Chiaran in the club championship. It appeared to us that they didn't have a huge support base, which was manifested when we played Tyrone in the All-Ireland U21 final shortly after they had won the Sam Maguire."

Croke Park costs were a big factor with a 34,000 crowd and an average admission of 20 needed to make it self-financing.

"We feel that from a promotional point of view we would be far better off to be thinking of playing in Croke Park around the latter stages of the League, when the weather should be better," he added.

Meanwhile, on the topical issue of dual players, Mr. Kelly agrees that it was 'somewhat unfair' to put pressure on individuals caught up in such controversies.

"Whether it's club versus county, or one county team against another, a player shouldn't be put in a position where he has to make up his mind.

"It should be worked out at county board level and particularly worked out when managers are being appointed. That's the time to bring parity to these situations and if county boards are happy with all the emphasis going on one team, then let that be said.

"But, speaking as uachtarán, both hurling and football should get equal treatment and county boards should sort these things out when making appointments."