Cooney insists Croker pitch will be ready

GAA PRESIDENT Christy Cooney has given an assurance that the new surface in Croke Park will be operational in time for this weekend’s All-Ireland championship ties.

Cork and Donegal open the weekend’s action at headquarters on Sunday (2pm) and stadium chiefs had targeted a Friday evening finish date for the work on laying a new pitch which started as soon as U2 finished their set on Monday night. However, local residents, angered at the timing of the work, staged a number of protests yesterday in an attempt to disrupt the pitch laying project.

However, the residents agreed to end their protest following a meeting with Cooney and GAA Director General Páraic Duffy, thus allowing work on the laying of the Croke Park pitch to commence.

“We thank the local community for their understanding and co-operation in assisting our efforts to bring about a resolution and we apologise for any inconvenience caused to residents in the last 48 hours,” said Cooney.

“We have listened carefully to their views and we are committed to a process of dialogue which will be consultative in its nature in an effort to achieving the best possible outcome for all concerned in the running of the major events at Páirc an Chrócaigh. We are committed to moving forward in a positive way to address their concerns. I am now looking forward to the prospect of exciting games at the weekend.”