Mayo chief accepts Croker decision but Connacht venue better for fans

MAYO have no difficulty playing their NFL semi-final against Galway in Croke Park on Sunday, though it would suit supporters of both counties to play the game at a Connacht venue.

“We were talking to officials in Croke Park last week about tickets for Croke Park, so obviously there was no chance of the venue being changed,’’ said Mayo County Board Secretary Sean Feeney.

Croke Park was officially confirmed as the venue for both semi-finals yesterday, with their game first on the programme at 2.15pm, followed by the meeting of Donegal and Kildare at 4pm.

In the NHL semi-finals Kilkenny/Wexford will be the first on the programme in Thurles (2.30pm), with Cork and Waterford clashing at 4.15pm.

Mr Feeney admitted Mayo would have preferred a different pairing. They met Galway at the same stage a year ago and are drawn against them in the Connacht championship on May 20.

Twelve months ago the counties had been given the option of tossing for choice of home venue.

That offer was taken up, because a decision had been taken not to play the semi-finals in Croke Park. Mayo ended up winning the toss and playing in McHale Park, Castlebar.

“That was a once-off,’’ he said.

“Clearly, you’d have a bigger crowd in Galway or Castlebar. The only thing is that you have supporters who will go to the game no matter where it’s fixed for.’’

Meanwhile, Mayo will be seeking clarification from the Central Competitions Committee in relation to their upcoming All-Ireland U-21 football semi-final — specifically in relation to their opposition. “According to the diary, we are down to play the Munster champions (Cork), but if you were to go on the rota system, we would be playing the Leinster champions.

“It’s a bit confusing. We need to clear it up,’’ he said.

The game is due to be played on Saturday week.