GAA chiefs insist Déise host Munster U-21 final despite ticket demand

MUNSTER Council GAA chiefs last night insisted that tonight’s provincial U21 hurling decider could not be played at a neutral venue, due to a home and away agreement entered into by all counties this year for games outside of senior level.

The unique pairing of Waterford and Clare has sparked a huge demand amongst supporters for tonight’s match which is all-ticket. Waterford’s right to home venue has lead to the game being fixed for Fraher Field in Dungarvan but the 6,750 capacity ground will not be able to meet the massive interest from followers in both counties.

The unavailability of Walsh Park in Waterford city due to ongoing drainage work left Fraher Field as the only viable venue. Munster Council PRO Jim Forbes admitted that there will be fans disappointed at being unable to attend tonight’s showdown.

“At Munster Council level we are disappointed that we can’t cater for everybody. There has been huge demand for this game and it’s an unprecedented situation that we have an U21 final as an all-ticket match.

“But it was out of our hands as regards the venue choice. All counties entered into an agreement this year that all matches at minor, U21, junior football and intermediate hurling levels would be played on a home and away basis. The only exceptions are the Munster minor finals which are curtain-raisers to the senior games.

“There is a home and away agreement between Waterford and Clare which has to be adhered to. It’s Waterford’s turn to have the home venue. Walsh Park is unavailable and to be fair, they had hoped to have that pitch ready but the weather caused problems. But it should still be a great occasion tomorrow night,” he added.

“It’ll be a tremendous atmosphere as all tickets are set to be sold for it. We would appeal to anyone without a ticket not to show up as they will not gain admission to the ground. The game is being broadcast live on TG4 and will be live on local radio, WLR.”

Throw-in time for tonight’s match is 7:30pm and the gates will be open at 6pm, with access to the covered stand set to be on a first come first served basis. Gardaí have advised supporters to come early as traffic is expected to be very heavy. Car parking close to the pitch is only available at Curran’s Boreen (GAA car park) and where permitted along the Shandon Estuary.

All available car parks in Dungarvan town centre will be opened with supporters advised to avail of those facilities, while traffic from the city direction is requested to park at the Burgery area, is a 15 minute walk away.