GAA: Lowry slams Munster Council re: Semple plan

Independent TD Michael Lowry has lashed the Munster council for their decision not to play any major games in Semple Stadium, Thurles.

He described the move as "democracy gone mad".

Dep Lowry, a former chairman of the Tipperary County GAA board said that a number of complaints had been made to him by GAA patrons who feel hard done by that no games will take place in Thurles - the birth-place of the GAA.

"I agree wholeheartedly with the views being expressed. How Cork and Limerick can enter into a home-and-away agreement when the Limerick Gaelic grounds are considered unsuitable to host major championship games defies logic.

"One can accept that the Tipperary-Clare game could be played in Cork, although the 12,000 extra capacity in Thurles should have a major bearing on such a decision," he said .

"The decision to play Waterford v Limerick in Cork stretches credibility. Thurles, with its 12,000 extra capacity, would remove the unseemly scramble for tickets for genuine patrons upon who the GAA depends for its survival.

"This year's venue arrangements for the Munster senior hurling championship amount to democracy gone mad," he said.

"The stadium committee are currently finalising plans for a major redevelopment of Semple Stadium. In light of this year's situation, the question must be asked - for what?" said Dep Lowry.