Duffy: Neutral Ring venues decision correct

GAA director general Páraic Duffy yesterday insisted that the GAA decision to fix Saturday week’s Christy Ring Cup semi-finals at neutral venues “is the right one” despite annoyance from the Kerry and Kildare camps.

The Kingdom and Lilywhites believed they were entitled to home advantage – in line with last year’s competition – after recording victories in their last two outings.

However, Duffy revealed that GAA chiefs had erred last year in not playing the games at a neutral venue and that the current confusion stemmed from that mistake.

He explained: “Last year they were played at home venues but according to rule they were meant to be played at neutral venues.

“The decision to play them at neutral venues this year is the right one.

“I can understand why there was some confusion in counties because they were played at neutral venues last year. That was when the mistake was made. If there is some confusion, it was last year where the error was made.”

Kerry GAA chiefs yesterday slammed the decision to play their tie with Wicklow in Nenagh rather than in Tralee, which they felt they were entitled to as a result of victories over Down and Westmeath, and has written to Croke Park to seek clarification on the matter.

“We are more than surprised at the change of venue based on last year’s competition, when we had to travel to Dr Cullen Park in Carlow to play them,” said county board chairman Jerome Conway.

“We automatically assumed having won our two games this year that we would be at home in the semi-final. Amazingly that is not the case and we have contacted Croke Park and are awaiting an explanation as to why this is not so.”

Kerry boss John Meyler added: “I was surprised and disappointed from the point of view of Kerry supporters who came out in increased numbers for the game against Westmeath. Kerry travelled to Carlow last year for the semi-final of the Christy Ring Cup so we assumed that the semi would be in Tralee this year. But wherever they decide to play it – the players and the management will be there.”

Upcoming fixtures

Saturday, June 5

Christy Ring Cup semi-finals: Kerry v Wicklow, Nenagh, 3.30pm; Kildare v Westmeath, Páirc Tailteann 5pm.

Nicky Rackard Cup Round 1 (3.30pm): Louth v Tyrone, Dundalk; Armagh v Fingal, Crossmaglen; Roscommon v Monaghan, Athleague.

Lory Meagher Cup Round 1: Warwickshire v Fermanagh, Páirc na hÉireann, 1pm; Leitrim v South Down, Carrick on Shannon, 3.30pm; Donegal v Longford, Letterkenny, 3.30pm; Cavan bye.

Sunday, June 6

Nicky Rackard Cup Round 1: London v Sligo, Ruislip, 5pm.

(ET in all if required).