Sean Dunnion disappointed for Donegal fans as Galway game stays in Croke Park

Donegal chairman Sean Dunnion has expressed disappointment at the GAA’s decision to stage the county’s fourth round qualifier in Croke Park.

Dunnion revealed the board had put in a request for the game against Galway to be staged at a provincial ground.

However, the Central Competitions Control Committee on Monday fixed it for GAA Headquarters, the second part of a double-bill with the other qualifier pitting Sligo against Tyrone.

He is expecting the Donegal turnout for the 6pm throw-in to be much lower than the usual crowds that make their way for championship games in Croke Park.

The late start means some fans won’t return home until midnight or later.

“We’re very disappointed, there’s no point in saying we’re not,” said Dunnion. “We had asked for it to be played at a provincial venue but clearly that wasn’t accepted.

“There’s been a lot of negative reaction here to the Croke Park fixture. People just won’t travel and this will negatively impact on the numbers.

“We’ve already been on the road four times this year (Division 1 semi-final in Croke Park, Armagh and Clones twice).

“We don’t know just yet how low numbers will be but going by the enquiries for tickets it’s likely to be a lot smaller than usual.”

Dunnion also said they had received correspondence from supporters about the unavailability of Hill 16 for the game. The terrace is all but certain to be open the following weekend when Dublin’s footballers play their All-Ireland quarter-final.

“That, you would think, doesn’t make sense. We’ve had a number of enquiries about Hill 16 and supporters aren’t happy about that either. I remember it was something similar for a quarter-final a number of years ago.

“People love to avail of the cheaper tickets and it’s €25 to go in and see next Saturday week’s game. But it’s the travel that is the biggest drawback.”