Soccer event to go on despite GAA ban

A NUMBER of sporting organisations have offered their facilities to a soccer club, which was denied permission by the GAA to host a tournament in memory of a player who lost his life in a tragic accident.

Riverstown FC, a soccer club in Co Cork, was refused permission to use a GAA club’s grounds for the tournament, even though, for the past two years, it had paid the GAA club for the use of its all-weather pitches for training.

Sarsfield Hurling Club, which is also based in Glanmire, and the Cork County Board, both quoted Rule 42 as the reason for the refusal. That rule prohibits soccer and rugby being played on GAA grounds.

The hurling club said it didn’t have a problem with the soccer club using its all-weather pitches for training, but could not permit its members to hold what it termed an ‘organised’ tournament.

The tournament, scheduled for December 27, is set to attract 16 soccer teams from all over Cork and is dedicated to the memory of Kieran McGlinn, who died in a motorcycle accident while on holiday in Cyprus last July.

The tournament is to be named The Coochie Cup, after the nickname affectionately given to Mr McGlinn.

Last night Riverstown FC spokesman Eamon Breen issued a statement on behalf of the club and admitted his officials were “bitterly disappointed” at the hurling club’s decision.

“We are bitterly disappointed with the decision of Sarsfields Hurling Club to withdraw their facilities for use in the Coochie Cup, despite the fact that we have been renting them over the past two years,” Mr Breen said. “But, while we regret their decision, we respect their right to do so and understand that they are governed by the rules of their own association,” he said.

Mr Breen confirmed that Riverstown FC intended to go ahead with the tournament at another venue, which has yet to be decided. “Our club will not get involved in any dispute or argument with Sarsfields Hurling Club, as to do so would be disrespectful to the honour of the sporting young man to whom this tournament is dedicated and to the honour of his family,” Mr Breen said.

He confirmed approaches had been made to the club from other sporting organisations willing to provide venues.

Last night Norman Deane of Harlequins Hockey Club said they would be willing to accommodate the tournament at its all-weather pitches near Cork Airport.