Papal Visit impacts scheduling of Under 21 final
The visit of Pope Francis to Ireland has impacted on the scheduling for the All Ireland Under 21 Hurling final between Tipperary and Cork.
The final was penciled in since the start of the year for 25th or 26th August, the same weekend the World Meeting of Families comes to a conclusion in Dublin with Pope Francis attending.
The evening of Saturday 25th sees the Festival of Families speech by the Holy Father at Croke Park while the late morning and early afternoon of Sunday 26th sees Pope Francis attend events at Knock Shrine before concluding with Mass at the Phoenix Park at 3.00pm.
The GAA were keen not fix the game directly against either event, however with television rights holders TG4 committed to showing both All Ireland Senior Ladies Football semi-finals live on the afternoon of Saturday 25th, meant limited options for scheduling the under 21 hurling final.
Tipperary County Board chairman John Devane admitted it was far from easy in scheduling the game, with moving it back a week to Saturday 1st September mentioned at one point before it was eventually fixed for 5.30pm on Sunday 26th August, a time which is far from ideal for players and spectators alike.
The Gaelic Grounds in Limerick was confirmed as the location for the final as a home and away agreement between Tipperary wasn't in place for an All Ireland final despite the sides meeting in Cork in the Munster final last month. A toss for venue was suggested but Tipperary weren't keen for fear they would have to return to Pairc Ui Chaoimh, the site of the thirteen point hammering in the Munster final to the same opponents.
To read more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.