Cork GAA seeks to explain venue decision, defends treatment of smaller rural clubs

The Cork county board also responded to criticism of the scheduling of the Premier SHC relegation play-off replay.

Newtownshandrum's Tim O'Mahony trying to get pass Erins Owns' Barry Óg Murpjhy and Peter O'Shea during the Co-Op Superstores Premier SHC relegation-play off replay at Ballyhooley. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

Cork GAA have responded to complaints about the County Board’s scheduling of the Premier SHC relegation play-off and its new regulations on juvenile amalgamation teams.

Both Erin’s Own and Newtownshandrum managers had criticised administrative decisions for placing hurdles in front of country clubs after their relegation final replay last Friday - Erin’s Own manager, Shay Bowen, took issue with the fixture being set for Ballyhooly. It was their second time travelling to a North Cork venue to face Newtown after the drawn game took place five days previously at Mourneabbey.