Kerry Board vents fury at timing of final

KERRY County Board is very unhappy about the fixing of the Allianz League final against Galway for 5.30pm in Limerick next Sunday.

Aware in advance of what was being proposed, they indicated they would favour a deferment for a week to avoid a clash with the televised Heineken Cup rugby semi-final between Munster and Leinster.

However, the fixture was confirmed at a meeting of the Games Administration Committee in Limerick yesterday, where it was decided to play the two semi-finals of the National Hurling League in Thurles on Sunday afternoon.

Kerry Chairman Sean Walsh said he feared the late start to their game would result in it being poorly attended. “We’d prefer if it wasn’t played next Sunday. I made my feelings known on that in advance.”

They knew from experience that Kerry followers “don’t travel” for late matches. “We’re playing a Connacht team and Munster are involved in the big rugby match on television. Our support is going to be very small.

“From an economical point of view, they should be in a position where they would try and maximise the gate.

“But, that won’t happen next Sunday evening. It definitely won’t,’’ he added.

Sunday’s Fixtures: At Limerick, Allianz NFL final, Kerry v Galway, 5.30pm, preceded by All-Ireland Under-21 football semi-final, Cork v Laois, 3.30pm.

At Thurles, NHL semi-finals: Clare v Limerick, 1.30pm; Kilkenny v Tipperary, 3.15pm.

At Breffni Park: Division 2 NFL final, Donegal v Louth, 3.30pm, preceded by All-Ireland Under-21 football semi-final, Tyrone v Mayo, 1.45pm.

The last meeting of Kerry and Galway in a League final was in 1984 and, by coincidence, it was also played in the Gaelic Grounds. Kerry - managed by Mick O’Dwyer - won the game.