Galway chiefs call for final to be switched from Semple

GALWAY chiefs have demanded that Croke Park officials switch this year’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC final to a neutral venue claiming that opponents Tipperary have an unfair advantage in Semple Stadium.

The GAA revealed in May that the U21 decider would be shifted from the Sunday billing it has shared in Croke Park in recent years with the senior and junior camogie finals, to a Saturday night double-header under floodlights with the All-Ireland U21B HC final in Thurles.

However Tipperary’s qualification for the final has compromised the plans to hold the match in Semple on September 11th. Four years ago, Tipperary were defeated by Kilkenny in an U21 final replay at the stadium but Galway hurling board secretary John Fahey was adamant last night that the game must be moved.