Mayo GAA has sympathy for fans but says venue certainty is necessary

With supporters having expressed dissatisfaction with the venue and time of the All-Ireland SFC round two qualifier game, Mayo GAA has responded by saying while it has sympathy for fans, certainty over the venue is necessary.

Having beaten Monaghan in Castlebar last Saturday in round one of the qualifiers, Mayo were drawn against Kildare in round two yesterday (Monday) morning, with the venue and time – Croke Park on Saturday evening (June 11) at 6 p.m. – fixed by the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) later in the day.

Mayo GAA PRO John Walker explained: “I completely understand that Croke Park on a Saturday at 6 p.m. is very difficult for supporters and families. It's a long way to travel and hotel prices at the moment are sky high, and that will mean a late drive home for many families, which is hard.

“But the turnaround is very short. The game is in four days and our focus must be on winning and progression.

“I know it's hard for supporters. I really understand that. But we have to have certainty on the pitch now rather than an ongoing debate over the course of the week which could affect preparation.”

As well as the senior game on Saturday, Mayo and Kildare face each other in a minor All-Ireland quarterfinal on Sunday (June 12) at Bord na Mona O'Connor Park in Tullamore.