NY set to get cash aid for Croker replay

LADIES Gaelic Football Association officials will meet next week to discuss financial aid to help fund New York’s return trip for the TG4 All-Ireland junior football final replay on Sunday week, October 9.

The LGFA’s Central Council will discuss a proposal from the Association’s management committee that New York should receive assistance as they prepare for a third transatlantic trip within a seven-week timeframe.

New York played Carlow and Wexford in the space of a week last month, before flying back for their drawn final against Wicklow last Sunday. And now the Exiles believe it will cost an estimated $30,000 (€22,000) to get the squad, management and officials back for the rematch with the Garden County at Croke Park.

Quill also confirmed just the Hogan Stand will be open for the junior and intermediate replays — and believes 5,000 would be an acceptable attendance for the double-header.

Quill admitted: “There’s no way we could have opened up the whole stadium, to be fair to everybody concerned and because of security and health and safety costs.”

Quill expressed his gratitude to GAA officials for allowing Croke Park to host the replays as top brass believe that an attendance figure in the region of 33,000 is required to make the opening up of the stadium a financially viable move.

Tickets for the replay will cost €20 for adults and €5 for other categories.

He insisted: “That represents very good value. We’re conscious that people would have come already. It was €25 last Sunday for three finals and now it’s €20 for two. It’s not too often that you get the chance to get to Croke Park.”

Quill added: “When New York entered the championship, they were well aware there is no extra-time in finals. They find themselves in an unfortunate position, having to travel such a distance again with the cost involved but we have a Central Council meeting on Wednesday next week.

“There is a proposal from our management committee we will give them some financial assistance. The All-Ireland means everything to them and when you see the lengths they go to, it would put some of our own to shame. There was a rumour that they weren’t coming back but I can assure you that they are. And they are delighted that they are in a position to come. The (financial assistance) proposal has to go to Central Council but I have no doubt that they will approve some figure.

“Their intention is to be back on Wednesday or Thursday of next week but, in some instances, some of their players may have to work until the Friday. They have three weeks holidays in the year and I’d imagine that a considerable amount of that has been used up already.”