O’Mahony calls on GAA to reverse decision to hold All-Ireland semi-final replay in Limerick

Fine Gael Mayo TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Sport and former All-Ireland winning manager, John O’Mahony, is calling on the GAA authorities to reverse the decision to hold the All-Ireland semi-final replay between Mayo and Kerry in Limerick next Saturday evening.

“The decision to play the game in Limerick is indefensible and even at this late stage the GAA should bow to public demand and ensure that the game is played in Croke Park.

“My objection has nothing to do with the ability of the people of Limerick to host a major sporting event; rather it is all about holding the second most important match in the Gaelic football calendar in the national stadium.

“The attendance at yesterday’s drawn semi-final was over 50,000 and that means that if the replay goes ahead in Limerick thousands of people won’t be able to attend. And, given that the game was so exciting, it is natural that more people will want to see the replay.

“The question must be asked why an American football game was given precedence over the possibility of a drawn semi-final. It beggars belief, and as Dermot Earley said on Sunday Game last night, the NFL would hardly move one of their major games for a National League game.

“This decision is unfair on so many counts. There is no precedence because the last time a replay was held outside Croke Park it was due to the agreement of the Dublin team. In this instance Mayo has not agreed and their views should be taken into account.

“The authorities have admitted that if there is a replay between Donegal and Dublin in the other semi-final, it will be held in Croke Park. If that can be accommodated why not the Mayo v Kerry match?”