‘Slap in the face for second-tier hurling counties’

MEATH hurling manager John Andrews has described the GAA’s decision to allow their NHL Division 2A tie against Carlow to go ahead at Éire Óg’s ground on Saturday as a ‘slap in the face’ to all second-tier hurling counties.

The postponed tie had originally been fixed for Dr Cullen Park where it was due to be the curtain raiser to the Fitzgibbon Cup final. However Croke Park subsequently pencilled in another college fixture for the county ground and approved the switch of the league game to the new venue.

“What I’m saying should have no reflection on the Éire Óg club who have a fabulous pitch and fabulous clubhouse,” said Andrews on Newstalk’s ‘Extra Time’ programme.

“There was no perimeter fence or dugouts. There was a bench laid out for the subs but only five or six of them could sit down. The only place they could watch the game was in a smoking room that was adjacent to the clubhouse bar.

“I just feel that Croke Park sent out this fixture and sent us out to the back garden. We have 27 lads training with us five days a week, doing a gym programme, training with their clubs and playing at the weekends. While they said nothing you could see the level of disappointment.”

Meath had offered Páirc Taliteann as an alternative venue but that was turned down. When the team arrived at Éire Óg on Saturday afternoon

Andrews contacted the Meath hurling and county board chairmen to voice his displeasure at the facilities. He was told to play the match under protest and a letter of complaint is to be sent to Croke Park this week.

“This was a case of ‘get the fixture over with down the road’. This is a reflection on all second level teams and it is a reflection on Croke Park that they let this go ahead,” said Andrews.

“Croke Park do a lot for hurling but, when it suits them, the rules change. If I had encroached the pitch a few times in Navan two weeks ago, the Meath county board would be fined. Those rules didn’t matter Saturday. They went out the window.

“Luckily we had a good game but say something did happen. If Brian Cody or Ger Loughnane turned up at that pitch they wouldn’t have played and their voices would have been heard.”