County Board call for hospital A&E to be reinstated

THE ongoing political row over the provision of accident and emergency services at Monaghan General Hospital took on a sporting contest last night when the Monaghan County Board called on the Minister for Health to restore A and E cover.

The county board’s concern has arisen after two players involved in county championship games last weekend suffered serious injury but were unable to receive treatment at the local hospital.

According to Sean McKenna, the Monaghan Board’s PRO, one of the players had to be taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, 55 miles away, while the other was taken to Navan Hospital 60 miles away.

He says this has caused “deep concern” within the GAA in the county as it feels its players are now unable to receive immediate treatment for serious injuries when they need it most.

“One of the players had a broken arm and the other had a broken collarbone, yet both of them had to be taken considerable distances before they could receive the treatment they needed,” McKenna said.

He added that it was quite unfair on players that they had to endure journeys of up to 60 miles to get treatment when they were in considerable pain.

“We, the GAA clubs in County Monaghan, are very upset that our players are being denied the immediate treatment that is necessary at Monaghan General Hospital. We call on the Minister for Health and the North Eastern Health Board to ensure that Accident and Emergency services cover is restored immediately at Monaghan General Hospital.”

Elsewhere, tickets for Monday’s double header go on sale this morning on the GAA website (www.gaa.ie). However, those looking to buy tickets over the net could find it frustrating. Those trying to purchase tickets for Sunday’s double header reported great difficulties yesterday, with the GAA website unable to cope.

In Cork, meanwhile, the county board says it is confident it will be able to accommodate all those wishing to travel to Croke Park for the All-Ireland quarter-final clash with Mayo on Monday with tickets. It is estimated that between 10-12,000 Cork fans will be looking for tickets and county board PRO Pat Horgan says there will be no problems.

“The tickets will be distributed to the clubs and the divisional boards first and the remainder will go on sale to the public.

“It is envisaged they will be available at Páirc Uí Rinn tonight, but that will be ratified as soon as possible.”