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.

“It is not a traditional fence. Razor wire is not a feature of the installation and it will in no way impede on patrons viewing our games from a part of the ground that we are keen to keep as a standing area for a variety of reasons.”

Visibility for fans on the Hill is aided by the fact that the top half of the barrier is made from perspex although judgment on the experiment’s success or otherwise will be reserved until after the hurling and football finals.

Said Cooney: “I would call on commentators to forget about the populist line and to fully contemplate what is involved in this process as we strive to ensure the health and safety of our players, spectators match officials and stewards. Everything else is of secondary importance.

He added: “We are not engaged in this process for the sake of it. Finance and the preservation of the pitch are not driving this campaign. We are doing this because we have to after liaising with gardaí and the experts who advise and work in this area.”

Alternative means of combating pitch invasions have been suggested, one of them being a controlled operation of allowing people onto the field but Cooney ruled out the possibility of letting up to 40,000 on the playing surface.

“The idea of an organised pitch invasion mooted in some quarters is not a practical suggestion and the steps we are taking are most suited to creating the safest post-match situation possible. We hope that with the cooperation and goodwill of our supporters and members, that not only will we be able to avoid the installation of a similar barrier around the remainder of the stadium, but we will also examine the possibility of removing the one in front of Hill 16 if the circumstances permit in the seasons ahead.”