Withdrawal of tickets raises Rebel hopes

CORK hopes of an All-Ireland football and hurling double-header were raised temporarily yesterday, when tickets for the All-Ireland SHC semi-final between Cork and Kilkenny were withdrawn from sale yesterday in Croke Park.

The initial reason for the withdrawal was a late fixture change, sparking speculation that the Rebel footballers would play on the same day as the hurlers, but a Croke Park spokesman said yesterday that it had been a mistake to put the withdrawal down to a fixture change.

“Tickets will be available from the Cork County Board and here (Croke Park) from next Tuesday on,” said a GAA spokesman yesterday.

“It was a misuse of words to say it was due to a fixture change. The authorities are waiting to find out who’ll be playing and at what time to put that information on the tickets which will be available next week.

“All the usual details will be available on those tickets.

“The decision on a possible double-header will be made next Sunday after the football qualifier draw is made.”