Leinster bosses block live coverage of replay
RTÉ informed the provincial council they would televise the fixture provided there was a 2.30pm throw-in on Saturday. The offer was turned down by the Leinster Council, who expressed concern that an afternoon start would seriously impact on the crowd size.
RTÉ last night confirmed they would not be streaming the game online, a decision which is certain to cause frustration for supporters on both sides who are unable to travel.
The replay has been scheduled for 7pm, but Sky Sports’ presence at the Ulster SFC semi-final between Armagh and Monaghan, also a 7pm start, prevents RTÉ televising the Tullamore fixture.
World Cup action and the staging of the Irish Derby from the Curragh meant the only throw-in time which allowed for live coverage was 2.30pm.
“We didn’t feel a 2.30pm throw-in was fair to the businesses of Tullamore or the punters, or, indeed, the players,” said Leinster chairman John Horan.
“It wouldn’t have been fair, dragging them down for a 2.30pm throw-in. 5pm might have seemed like a reasonable time, but once we had to go back to 2.30pm, we said no and that we would stick with 7pm. RTÉ were fairly stretched with the Derby and the World Cup to be taking in this game. We felt anything before 5pm wouldn’t have been desirable for any of the parties involved. We were left with no option then but to go with 7pm.”
Horan expressed confidence the replay attendance will surpass the 12,548 which flocked through the turnstiles for Sunday’s first instalment. Ticket prices have been cut for the game, with stand tickets lowered to €20, terrace €10.
“We were very pleased with the attendance on Sunday. The quality of fare will ensure another very healthy crowd this weekend. If the weather is anyway decent, the fact that this is an evening fixture will ensure a good crowd. The match isn’t going to be televised so people will have to travel if they want to see it.”
Meanwhile, former Tipperary hurler Tommy Dunne conceded Eamon O’Shea’s outfit would have hoped for an easier first-round qualifier draw — the Premier County will entertain the losers of the Leinster semi-final replay on Saturday week.
The 2001 All-Ireland winning captain said home advantage and the county’s six-week lay-off since exiting the Munster championship will be crucial factors to the outcome.
“It is a very tough draw, regardless of who comes out of that game on Saturday. Kilkenny or Galway are a huge team to play so early in the season. It’s a very difficult draw,” said Dunne.
“Tipperary would have preferred someone else. There is a huge motivational factor involved when playing against Kilkenny or Galway, especially when Tipperary have so much to prove.
“Going to Nowlan Park last year was a huge ask. It is very difficult to go to the likes of Nowlan Park or Salthill for a knockout game when there is so much pressure on this team. When the home crowd turns out, it can be a factor.
“There is no doubt that it will be a disadvantage to either Galway or Kilkenny that heading to Thurles will be their third tough encounter in as many weeks. Whoever loses next week has a very short period of time to turn matters around. They will have to hit the ground running pretty quick to get the form back up.”
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