Croke Park in line to host double-header

CROKE PARK could be set for an All-Ireland SFC qualifier double-header at the weekend.

The GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee will meet today to finalise the times and venues for next weekend’s three round four qualifiers (Cork v Down, Kildare v Derry, Limerick v Wexford) along with the round three clash of Tyrone v Armagh.

But sources believe that GAA headquarters could be called upon to host Cork and Down, a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final, along with the clash of Kildare and Derry.

Kieran McGeeney’s side have been attracting massive crowds to their qualifier games this season, with Saturday’s clash against Meath deemed a sellout in Páirc Tailteann, Navan, while they outnumbered the home support at O’Moore Park in the previous round’s victory over Laois.

Kildare chairman John McMahon last night admitted his side would love a clash at the Jones’ Road venue this weekend.

“We would like to play in Croke Park, we wouldn’t have any issue with it whatsoever.

“It would be great for a number of reasons.

“It would make for a fantastic double-header (with Cork and Down) while it would bring a fairly decent crowd and create a great atmosphere.

“The Kildare support has been phenomenal yet again this year and long may that continue.

“I think that this team is entertaining everyone, even many fans from outside the county who are realising what a fit, hard and good football side this is.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Downes is Limerick’s only injury concern ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC qualifier against Dublin in Thurles.

Full forward Downes is struggling with a calf problem sustained in the victory against Antrim a week ago.

All-Ireland SFC qualifiers (Saturday): Limerick v Wexford, Tyrone v Armagh (winners v Roscommon), Down v Cork, Kildare v Derry.

All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals (Sunday): Waterford v Galway, Dublin v Limerick, Semple Stadium.