McEnaney’s call to play Dubs in Croker set for thumbs down

SEAMUS MCENANEY’S call to play the postponed Dublin-Monaghan game at Croke Park next weekend, seems destined to fall on deaf ears with HQ set to close down for work on the pitch after today’s club final.

The Monaghan manager made his case for Croke Park to be opened for the NFL Division Two game next Saturday after the original fixture was called off an hour before throw-in due to a waterlogged pitch. McEnaney said: “Don’t talk to me about closing Croke Park, it is only five days after St Patrick’s Day so play it next Saturday night in Croke Park. A free game. Everyone who has bought tickets and everyone has hasn’t, let them into it.

“I have always said that the game could have been originally played at Croke Park. I don’t know what the GAA are going to do but that is my suggestion. We are talking about five days now, not five weeks after the All-Ireland club finals are played there.”

Numerous fans, particularly from Monaghan, made their feelings known about the postponement over the weekend. McEnaney played down the decision though he did admit it was far from ideal.

“It’s disappointing for Monaghan after travelling up the road. You are mentally prepared, you have your team meetings over, you are ready for the challenge and then you are told the game is off.

“But that is life, the officials are there to make decisions. He has made the decision that in his opinion (the referee) it was best for the players and that is okay with me.”

Croke Park has endured a hectic three-month schedule at a time of year when it is usually lying idle. Numerous soccer and rugby internationals have all been held there while the All-Ireland club finals will take place there today.

It is envisaged that the stadium will be shut between March 18 and May 18 when Meath play Carlow and Kildare face Wicklow in a Leinster SFC double header.

Dublin selector, Brian Talty, backed McEnaney’s idea to play the game at Croke Park but his county’s U-21 Leinster Championship tie against Kildare next Saturday is another potential stumbling block. “Wouldn’t it be great to get into Croke Park at this time of the year. But I am sure there are other things going on next weekend. I know our U-21s are playing,” said Talty. “The sooner a date is decided, the better. But it’s up to others to decide.”