Leinster chief defends attendances

LEINSTER COUNCIL chairman Seamus Howlin has launched a stout defence of attendance figures this summer.

Concern has been expressed over the level of football at a number of games in both codes in recent weeks and, in particular, the 11,000 or so that took in the Bank Holiday Monday Munster semi-final between Waterford and Clare.

“A lot has been said and written by various so-called experts about attendances at Gaelic Games this year,” said Howlin in his programme notes for yesterday’s provincial hurling double-header at Croke Park.

“I looked at attendances at other sporting events around the world last weekend and found that if you compare attendance the crowds going to our games remain very positive.

“Considering our population and the downturn in the economy I feel that support for our games compare very favourably to other sports around the world.

“The reason for this is that our games are full of passion, excitement, commitment from our players and the many, many fabulous scores we witness.”

What the Leinster Council made of yesterday’s attendance at Croke Park – 25,260 – remains to be seen.