Offaly objecting to Casement Park for the Walsh Cup final

[Lone Shark]

So goes the story anyway. I haven't seen it confirmed on any official websites, but it appears that our delegates have decided that they shouldn't have to travel to Casement next Sunday.

For what it's worth, I think this is ridiculous. Ye've all no doubt seen my thread detailing how we're getting fecked over in Leinster Championship matches, and I'd be all for a more militant approach when the fixtures are being laid out for these games, but picking on Antrim of all teams for a fixture like this is lunacy. First of all the whole purpose of this competition is to prepare for the league, and a game in front of a decent crowd in Casement Park makes a lot more sense in terms of getting a competitive fixture under our belts than playing in front of four men and a dog in Clones or some such. Second of all, Antrim get the worst of all deals when it comes to hurling fixtures, and it grates with me when supposedly more established counties pay lip service to encouraging hurling up north and then pull a stunt like this. Antrim already have to travel half the length of the country to find a decent challenge fixture, so allowing them one home fixture in this competition is hardly out of order. They've already travelled to Freshford and Belfield, while we've had two home draws (albeit we lost one due to the absence of a suitable venue in the county to withstand the weather).

Also, as per usual, there were no objections from us when it was announced first - only on the week of the game once we were involved.

I'm only speaking for myself here, but I would really hope our objection gets ignored here. By all means it's nice to see our county board finally attempting to stand up for our teams (though deep down I'd be more concerned that this is a money-saving exercise) but this is picking the wrong battle. Let this one go and be prepared to fight for any hurling or football qualifiers that arise in the summer would be my suggestion.

[BUFFALO]

Sheer lunacy!I can't see any problems with fielding this fixture in Casement,in fact it'll be good for d'aul cross-border relations.In terms of sporting advantages the location for this final is mutually beneficial.It'll be a stern test for Joe Dooley and the team to see if they are capable of withstanding a passionate and motivated opposition,nevermind the buzz they'll get from playing in front of a good crowd.I mean it's hardly Botswana that they have to travel to,its a 2-3 hour drive,shorther than a trip to Cork or the like.I know it's a final and all,but can the county board not show some feckin' humility.
Moreover,I remember being at a Leinster club semi-final between Birr and Young Irelands in Portlaoise a few years back,and I met a group of lads from the Glens of Antrim,way out in the wilds.So anyways,I was curious what they were doing at such a match,to which one replied ''we're here to see two of the all-time greats of hurling,DJ Carey and Brian Whelehan''.That shows how much these boys love Hurling,and I wouldn't mind but it was a dire day and the game was awful aswell,but the lads went home after the game feckin delighted with a Fenianised day-out in the Free State,and the thoughts of a 4-5 journey home on a dark,wintery night didn't seem to bother them in the slightest.
Whats more,is that management,players and supporters alike will be very received up here,which makes this complaint all the more baffling.
Is it beyond the powers that be in good ole Uibh Fhaili to do the right thing and dont lodge an objection?

[Kevin]

The draw was set to have the winner of the other semi-final be the home team. What grounds do we have for appeal on this?

Hopefully this will die off and we focus on winning the damn game where ever it be played.

But come the summer I hope the message is clear that we won't be taking the annual warm weather fixture fecking gracefully!!!

[Lone Shark]

The draw was set to have the winner of the other semi-final be the home team. What grounds do we have for appeal on this?

To be fair, it wasn't. It was reversed as an accomodation to Antrim who would have had to travel three times against either Offaly or Wexford who would have had three home games in a row. (Granted Darver turned out to be not as close to home as could be had).

I still don't agree with this all the same.

[Aweflee]

Part of the problem, I suspect, is that this will be the first Walsh cup match played outside the province. Maybe Offaly feel that if say Kilkenny were facing Antrim in the final then it'd be played in Kilkenny. But for jaysus sake surely we're better off travelling to Belfast to play a team that will give us a sterner test there than they probably would in Tullamore, or a neutral venue. I don't understand why we're making as issue of this - its embarassing really. Go up, play the match, and hopefully win it. It should bring the young lads on a ton.

[Offalys Future]

Still no official word whether the county board objected or not.
Very disappointed if they have done/will do.
But to be honest it doesnt surprise me one bit.

Ideal for them to go if you ask me. The morale is good in the camp, a night away together up the north would be great for them and then hopefully win the game Sunday. A great opportunity for the management to get a chance to talk to lads etc and team bond.

Is money a real issue for our intercounty hurling team?

Just rang Leinster Council meeting tonight and it will be discussed at that. I was looking forward to a night out in Belfast!!

[Kevin]

Thanks for the clarification on that one LS. Thought I read something different, but must be mistaken.

Hopefully we move on put up a good showing and get the result!!!!

[BUFFALO]

Has there been any word back on the appeal from the county board,pertaining to the venue for Sunday's Walsh Cup final?
As an aside,are many of ye folks intending to travel up,if the game is still being played in Casment?
Allez.

[black and red exile]

Yep, I will be there and I'm looking forward to it and despite being in Casement before, I still wouldn't have a clue how to find it. Luckily I've got my AA route Planner sorted out this evening for the journey.