CCCC chief defends Donegal venue selection following criticism from Jim McGuinness

The Donegal manager hit out at the decision for their final Group 1 fixture against Mayo to be played at Dr. Hyde Park in Roscommon.

Mon, 16 Jun, 2025 - 12:06

Andrew Horgan

Brian Carroll, the chairperson of the Central Competitions Control Committee, has defended the GAA's choice of venue for the All-Ireland SFC clash between Donegal and Mayo on Sunday following criticism from Jim McGuinness.

The Donegal manager hit out at the decision for their final Group 1 fixture to be played at Dr. Hyde Park in Roscommon in the aftermath of his side's one-point win over Mayo, which secured their place in the preliminary quarter-final, where they will meet Louth.

"We think it was very unfair to bring us here," began McGuinness on Sunday evening.

“It was the equivalent of bringing Mayo to Omagh and we also put in an email to the CCCC to say we couldn't get a hotel in the area so we had to stay in Athlone. We had to go beyond the venue to come to play in the venue.

"I think it would only happen because it's us. Disappointed in that. We made a case and we made the case early. It was on deaf ears. I don't like the fact that our supporters are always being taken advantage of. We had seven games up to this point. Nobody's played more games than us. Nobody.

“And yet and all, we had the longest trek and all those people have to find a way to do all that. Breffni was an option. They're going to say it wasn't. I know that Clones was offered and that was rescinded. All you're looking for is fairness and the middle is fair.”

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But speaking to RTÉ following the All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-final and Tailteann Cup semi-final draws on Monday morning, the CCCC chief, who is also chairperson of Roscommon GAA, explained the thinking behind selecting the venue.

"When we sit down to put these fixtures together, there are a lot of situations that have to be taken into consideration," said Carroll.

"In the case of Donegal and Mayo, the obvious venue for us was Sligo. Unfortunately, Sligo wasn't available because the pitch is being repaired, so the ground wasn't available.

" Breffni Park wasn't available - Cavan were playing at the same time. Clones wasn't available because Monaghan were playing two hours earlier in the day and Omagh wasn’t available because Tyrone were playing at the same time.

"So our feeling was that the most logical venue for both of these counties was King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park.

"People in Mayo had to travel just short of three hours as well, so it wasn't ideal for both, but there are a lot of things that have to be taken into consideration.

"When we’re doing these fixtures and when you have the most northerly county and a western county playing each other, it's always going to be difficult to find an ideal venue.

"In fairness, I think both counties were looked after well and got a good welcome, and I'd say most people are fairly happy this morning."