Westmeath v Kildare preview: Provincial venues preferred to Croker

The dramatic events in Lille on Wednesday night and the Republic of Ireland’s encounter with France ensures a more tepid atmosphere, the commendable rescheduling of throw-in times by Leinster Council to avoid a direct clash notwithstanding.
There is a growing feeling throughout the GAA community that major games are losing a sense of occasion by being played at headquarters when the majority of seats are empty.