Leinster Council opt to keep Dublin at Croker

The Leinster Council last night opted against moving Dublin’s senior footballers outside Croke Park for their 2015 quarter-final clash against Longford or Offaly.

It was decided that the game be staged as part of a double-header at GAA HQ, most likely with Dublin hurlers’ quarter-final with Galway, which will mark Ger Cunningham’s Championship debut as manager.

There had been hope Dublin would be asked to play a provincial game outside Croke Park for the first time since 2006 when they had to travel to face Longford in Pearse Park.

Traditionally, Dublin as champions — and therefore seeded — have played in the second of two football quarter-finals but 2015 is set to see both senior teams from the capital enjoy the billing.

The Leinster Council have already revealed they won’t fix any game for Sunday, June 7 so as to avoid a clash with the Ireland v England soccer friendly in the Aviva Stadium.

At the same meeting, Galway’s request to enter the minor and U21 Leinster championships was turned down by the council.

The Tribesmen will continue to compete in the senior competition and have been drawn in the intermediate hurling championship next year.

However, they will not feature in the underage grades. Leinster PRO John Greene confirmed both grades were dealt with separately.

Prior to yesterday, the sense was developing and improving counties feared the addition of Galway to the minor and U21 competitions where they are hoping to make strides in the coming years.

Meanwhile, Meath pair Eoghan Harrington and Brian Meade yesterday announced their retirements from inter-county football.

The pair join Seamus Kenny who stepped away in Meath.

Defender Harrington, like Kenny, captained the Royals and made his debut in 2007, one year prior to Meade who was named Meath player of the year in 2013 before rupturing a cruciate ligament, which curtailed his contribution this season.