Hurling final fillip for Cork ladies

Cork ladies football chairman Nelius Carroll believes Eamonn Ryan’s side will benefit from the scheduling of the All-Ireland hurling final replay on the same weekend as their clash with Monaghan.

The Rebels attempt to achieve three titles in succession on the final Sunday of September, 24 hours after Cork and Clare lock horns in the second instalment of the hurling equivalent.

Carroll is in no doubt the county’s involvement in the hurling final will ensure greater numbers the following afternoon. The attendance at last year’s ladies football decider was severely hampered by the late switch in date to accommodate the Kilkenny, Galway hurling replay, but the LGFA received assurances at the outset of the year there would be no repeat this time.

“Given we have our hurlers in action on the Saturday, I think it will bolster Cork support at the ladies final,” said Carroll.

“There have been a good few people onto me already who wouldn’t normally follow the ladies football looking to see can they get tickets to the game against Monaghan.”

Stand tickets for the hurling replay have been priced at €50, terrace €25, with stand tickets for the ladies football coming in at €25, OAPs €14 and €8 for U14’s.

“I don’t think the cost will deter people, I think the proximity of the hurling game will improve the size of the crowd. Cork people will stay on the day after. The tickets are very cheap so people can’t really complain. It is much cheaper than the hurling and if you are going in groups you get a massive discount. It is a great incentive to get people through the turnstiles.”

Given their All-Ireland haul of seven titles in eight years, Carroll has been disappointed by the attendances at Cork games this summer and claims the upcoming clash with Monaghan could represent a final opportunity to witness some of the Rebels’ stalwarts.

“They deserve far better support given all they have achieved. They are not getting the support they deserve, there is no doubt about that. They are an exceptional bunch and there could have been more at the Cork, Kerry semi-final.”