Cooney: Monday didn’t work

THE Munster Council’s decision to play the Waterford-Clare hurling tie on the Bank Holiday Monday earlier this week simply “didn’t work”, according to GAA president Christy Cooney.

Waterford star John Mullane was hugely critical of the switch to Monday prior to the game and it would appear he wasn’t alone, as just over 11,000 spectators turned up for the provincial semi-final in Thurles three days ago.

That figure wasn’t helped by overcast conditions but it was undoubtedly a clear thumbs down from a general public that clings stubbornly to traditional Sunday throw-ins.

“I don’t know,” said Cooney when asked of the future of Monday fixtures. “The Munster Council decided on that and made their decision as they saw appropriate. (Croke Park) decided not to play the national league (final) on a Bank Holiday Monday because we felt it wasn’t the right thing to do, but they judged it.

“I assume they had consultation with both counties when they were making the decision and they felt it was the right scenario but it didn’t seem to work last (Monday).

“There are swings and roundabouts but it seems that the bank holiday didn’t work, given the crowd that was there. I am sure Munster Council will revisit that in the future.”

Venues, as well as dates, have been very much in the news in recent days with the controversy over who exactly proposed Páirc Uí Chaoimh for a potential Cork-Waterford Munster hurling final still ongoing.

The provincial council has this week reacted strongly to suggestions that the decision was done “behind closed doors” without the knowledge of the Waterford executive.

According to a council statement, the proposal for Páirc Uí Ui Chaoimh came from the Déise county.

“I really don’t want to get into what is a local matter, a matter for Waterford and the council to deal with,” said Cooney, “but it is unfortunate the circumstances around the events that took place last week.

“It shouldn’t have happened but we are where we are and a decision has been made to play the Munster final in Thurles. There are unanswered questions hanging around after the Munster Council statement but that is a matter for Waterford to deal with, and I’m sure they will too.”

Of more interest to Cork GAA followers is the planned redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the local council’s strategic planning policy committee will reveal its recommendations before a full council meeting next Monday.

“It is crucial,” Cooney, a former Cork chairman, said of the project. “It is about the development, not just of an all-weather pitch, but a centre of excellence, including the stadium, gym facilities, spectator facilities, proper dressing room facilities – which we all know are badly needed in Cork – and also an all-weather floodlit pitch.

“It will be an advantage to schools and clubs and the underage structure to maximise the development of the game in Cork. As an association, we are supportive of the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh because it needs to be done. Hopefully the city fathers will make the right decision next week and I’m sure they will.”

Meanwhile, Cooney has defended Gaelic football and has dismissed the possibility of the game being made a 13-a-side affair in an attempt to tip the balance in favour of attacking fare.

Down forward Benny Coulter revealed a deep disenchantment with the modern game when he revealed he would not pay in to watch a game which he believes is increasingly negative. One way of combating blanket defences and sweepers, according to Coulter, would be to siphon two players off every teamsheet but Cooney hasn’t heard any such drumbeat around the country during his time in office.

It was ironic that both the president and Coulter should find themselves at the same table at yesterday’s Vodafone player of the month awards but that was about it in terms of common ground between the pair on this issue.

“I don’t see it happening,” said the Youghal man. “It is tough enough on our players, playing 15-a-side in a very competitive game in hurling and football and to bring it down to 13-a-side is going to make way more demands on the physicality of players and their ability to cover the field. I think Croke Park or any of our stadiums, is a big enough place for 15-a-side and there is plenty of room there. It is how the players and managers approach the game and that is really down to style and approach of both players and the management.”