Interpro finals set to head overseas

The GAA Interprovincial hurling and football finals look set to make a return overseas following a meeting of Provincial Council chairmen.

It has been agreed that this year's Interprovincial hurling decider will take place in Abu Dhabi next March, should a proposal from GAA All-Ireland SHC sponsor Etihad Airways receive the green light from Abu Dhabi tourism.

In previous years the finals were staged late in the year. Leinster, the reigning hurling champions, beat Munster in the 2008 final at Portlaoise last November.

Comhairle Ardoideachais (CA), who hold responsibility for Gaelic games in third-level colleges, had been offered the opportunity by GAA President Nickey Brennan at their Annual Convention last September to play this year's Fitzgibbon Cup hurling decider in Abu Dhabi.

The offer was made after a request by Etihad Airways to play a high-profile hurling game in the Middle East was turned down. The airline were particularly eager that a senior inter-county championship tie be staged in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, a proposal to stage the Interpro football final in London on St Patrick's weekend has fallen through because of National Football League fixtures also taking place that same weekend.

The GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) will consider an alternative date for this game shortly.