Duffy admits gamble backfired

GAA Árd Stiúrthóir Páraic Duffy admits the decision to schedule an American football game at Croke Park during the height of Championship season, removing the availability of HQ for the All-Ireland football semi-final replay, backfired.

Duffy says top-brass took a risk in fixing the American football encounter for mid-August, but last night stood over the decision, insisting “Croke Park has to fund the development of the GAA”.

The Árd Stiúrthóir rejected the allegation financial gain was prioritised over the second most important fixture in the football calendar, rubbishing accusations that “corporate Croke Park” dictated Kerry and Mayo be vanquished to the Gaelic Grounds.