Thurles expected to host league finals

Semple Stadium, Thurles is expected to host both the Division 1 and 2 Allianz National Hurling league finals on May 2 after GAA President Christy Cooney confirmed that Division 1 table toppers would not be handed home advantage.

It had been widely speculated that Division 1 finalists Cork and Galway would toss a coin to see who would host the final, with Páirc Uí Chaoímh or Pearse Stadium set to be the venue.

Last year’s final was seen by many to be a ‘home venue’ for Tipperary after their high-scoring Division 1 league decider against Kilkenny was played in front of a Semple Stadium crowd.

However, much like Dublin footballers being afforded a ‘home venue’ at Croke Park, the decision to fix the game in Thurles was in line with previous deciders.

The last five league finals have been hosted at Semple Stadium, while 22 of the 39 finals (including replays), which have taken place since 1975 have been held at the historic venue.

Cooney says that a home ground for either Cork or Galway for the final has not been muted within GAA headquarters.

"No, that hasn’t been considered," said Cooney. "I don’t believe the CCCC (Central Competitions Control Committee) have met even, to look at that situation. I think the final will be played at a neutral venue, in my view, most likely Thurles."

The GAA President also revealed that GAA officials are awaiting a report into the use of the Nemo Rangers facility by the IRFU.

Another club is also being investigated for allowing use of their premises for non-GAA activities.

The GAA’s Official Guide states that the only ground allowed to host non-Gaelic sports was Croke Park, with special exemption granted for rugby and soccer internationals only.

“No feedback, no. Cork have been asked to get a detailed report on it for us, and we’re awaiting that. That could be around Congress, if not, we’ll just wait and see,” Cooney said.

Meanwhile the Cork native does not believe that the GAA put “the cart before the horse” in bringing the GPA under its umberella, after it emerged Antrim and Tyrone delegates will vote against giving official status to the players body, at Annual Congress on Saturday week in Newcastle.

“That’s their democratic right (to vote against it),” said Cooney.

“I’d be absolutely astounded if the motion that’s down to recognise the GPA will not succeed. The feedback is extremely positive around, and while there will be some counties that will vote against it, that’s their right.

“But I think it will get through. I don’t have any major worries to be honest with you.

“I think we had to show that both ourselves and the GPA were credible about what we were trying to do.

“That was the objective of getting some projects underway as quickly as possible, to show that there was nothing mind-boggling about this, that it was about the players body and ourselves working together in the interest of all inter-county players, and to put good projects in place. We’ve started that process, and the talks are ongoing all the time.”