Hill 16 fencing passes first test

THE controversial new fencing in front of Hill 16 passed its first test yesterday as the second All-Ireland SFC semi-final passed off without any supporters encroaching on the field.

The barrier, almost three metres in height, was constructed last week after the first semi-final between Cork and Dublin and passed a health and safety inspection on Saturday.

Hill 16, described as the “catalyst” for pitch invasions down the years by GAA President Christy Cooney, was approximately two-thirds full yesterday and the Cork man again defended the fence’s erection in his programme notes.