Michael McDonagh downplays safety fears ahead of Cusack Park re-opening

Clare chairman Michael McDonagh has downplayed health and safety concerns ahead of Cusack Park’s premature re-opening this Saturday.

Four Clare SHC games have been fixed for Ennis this weekend, despite the ongoing €2.3m facelift at the grounds.

The roof of the main stand is almost removed and it was expected that no games would be played at the county’s primary venue until early in 2016, owing to healthy and safety concerns.

Added to this weekend’s third round games - Éire Óg v Crusheen, Inagh-Kilnamona v Kilmaley, Newmarket-on-Fergus v Tulla and Cratloe v O’Callaghans Mills, the board are also keen to stage the county quarter-finals at Cusack Park.

McDonagh said it was too early to speculate if the County final would be played in Ennis and rubbished the suggestion of a shortage of suitable venues in Clare.

“The reason we are playing these games at Cusack Park is because that is where the clubs want to play, the players see Cusack Park as the best hurling venue,” said McDonagh.

“The three terraces will be open to spectators, but the main stand will not be accessible as work is ongoing there.”

Meanwhile, the Tipperary County Board have paid tribute to departing manager Eamon O’Shea.

“He leaves behind a solid structure, a fabulous group of players who held Eamon in such high esteem. His is the torch they carried; his is the badge they wore with pride.

“Eamon’s belief in his players was and is unequivocal and also resilient in his belief that they will succeed when he is gone.

“You are more than a ‘footnote’ you are the foundation, the platform, the genesis of things to come.

“The future is bright, the future is blue and gold because of your contribution and for that the players salute you; we salute you, farewell and thanks.”