Lesser lights set for day in the sun

GAA chiefs yesterday announced that the country’s lesser lights are set to take centre stage in Croke Park on July 4th, with the fixing of the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cup deciders.

The Saturday afternoon triple-header will see the Christy Ring Cup final between Down and Carlow take place at 4pm, while the Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher finals will precede it at 2pm and 12pm respectively. The scheduling of the lower tiered competitions has caused plenty headaches for the GAA in recent times with the weaker hurling counties insistent that they deserve a chance to play in headquarters at Croke Park.

GAA officials were eager to avoid a repeat of the controversy surrounding the staging of last year’s Christy Ring Cup final.