O’Sullivan: Replay ‘taking second place to financial greed’

Former Kerry footballer Mickey Ned O’Sullivan has slammed the decision of "corporate Croke Park" to stage Saturday’s semi-final replay at the Gaelic Grounds, believing the venue choice is a slap in the face to both sets of players.

O’Sullivan accused top-brass of prioritising financial gain over the second most important fixture in the football calendar, castigating Croke Park hierarchy for scheduling an American Football game at HQ during the height of the GAA season.

“What has happened here is that corporate Croke Park is calling the shots,” fumed O’Sullivan.

“The priority of Croke Park is to be available for the premier GAA competitions and not for American Football. The priority for the GAA is that in the event of a draw in an All-Ireland semi-final Croke Park be available for the replay. It has been six-years since we had a draw at the semi-final stage. Top-brass saw an opportunity to make money so they took a chance. They shouldn’t have taken that chance.

“Croke Park’s August schedule should have been kept free for GAA games. Players want to play in Croke Park on All-Ireland semi-final afternoon. It is a big occasion for players. Supporters want to go to Croke Park. The tradition has always been to give pride of place to our hurling and football championship games at Croke Park. That is no longer the case.

“This game is taking second place to financial greed. I wouldn’t even comment on the lack of cover in the Gaelic Grounds because it should never have come to the fact that we are discussing the Gaelic Grounds as the venue for an All-Ireland semi-final. Croke Park is the only suitable venue for an All-Ireland semi-final. Corporate Croke Park should not have been a factor. Making money should not have been a priority. It is sending out the wrong message to the GAA member that the All-Ireland semi-final takes second place to an American Football game.”

The former All-Ireland medal winner is adamant six days is not sufficient cover for either James Horan’s or Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s outfit.

“It is a slap in the face to both teams. It is downgrading the importance of this fixture. If Hawk-Eye wasn’t in Croke Park the last day, Kerry may have won. The system proved its worth on Sunday and its absence could be controversial this Saturday. This game should have been played at Croke Park on Saturday week.”