Croke Park residents fears

THE Croke Park Area Residents Alliance have expressed anger at the number of games fixed for Saturdays at GAA headquarters.

The GAC’s decision to play two All-Ireland quarter-finals on August 14 means that angry residents must cope with major fixtures at the venue on four Saturdays out of five.

On Saturday July 17, the Galway/Tyrone and Fermanagh/Cork qualifiers took place at the famous Jones’ Road venue, while the Leinster final replay is due to be held there on July 24.

The following Saturday is free, followed by two All-Ireland quarter-final double-headers on August 7 and 14. Draws on the latter two dates could create further Saturday chaos for the residents.

The movement’s chairman Patrick Gates has again expressed his displeasure at the Croker decision.

“We would like to see the hierarchy of the GAA treat the local community with a little bit more respect and fairness. Local people living around the stadium cannot expect the further erosion of their quality of life, particularly older people who are dependent on the delivery of services to their homes on Saturdays and who may be adversely affected because the area is cordoned off, excluding non-residents without a pass.

“This is just one likely outcome from scheduling Saturday games in a high density urban area,” said Mr Gates.