Double replay at Croker in doubt

Jim O’Sullivan and Brendan Larkin,

With the GAA delaying an announcement on the arrangements for this and the Sligo-Armagh replay on the same day, there was speculation last evening that the two games will not be played together in Croke Park.

Apart from the consideration of meeting the huge demand for tickets in Dublin, it's understood that the Garda would not be agreeable to the two games going ahead, pointing out that road works on one of the main approach roads for Armagh supporters would create major traffic difficulties.

Additionally, interruptions are expected on the main train line. While Clones was mentioned as the venue for the Sligo-Armagh game before the second draw it's not certain that this will be considered as the venue in the event of the two games being kept apart.

The belief is that the Monaghan venue would give Armagh a huge advantage in terms of proximity and, more significantly, their familiarity with the ground.

Breffni Park in Cavan would be regarded as a more appropriate choice. However, Sligo County Board have threatened to lodge a strong objection if Clones is chosen as the venue for the quarter-final replay on August 17.

County Board chairman Joe Queenan said they would not play in Clones as that would amount to "a home game" for Armagh. Meanwhile Cork secretary Frank Murphy confirmed that the All-Ireland SFC semi-final between Kerry and Cork will be played in Croke Park on August 25.

"It's a rule in the official guide that senior semi-finals and finals in hurling and football must be played at headquarters, and there won't be any change in that," he said. In 1983 the GAA broke with tradition when Dublin travelled to Pairc Uí Chaoimh for the All-Ireland football semi-final, but that was a replay which the Dubs won comfortably.

The GAA's PRO, Danny Lynch, said there had been no representation made by either county to move the match out of Croke Park, and confirmed that the rules would not allow the game to be played at any other venue. He also confirmed that the dates and venues for the two All-Ireland SFC quarter-final replays will be announced this afternoon.