This article is from page 17 of the 2013-09-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
THERE will be no big screen put up for public viewing of the All-Ireland hurling final replay on September 28.
A crowd of between 1, 500 and 3,000 people watched the drawn match between Clare and Cork on September 8 on a big screen in the Abbey Street car park.
The screen was erected at a cost of € 8,000 to Ennis Town Council.
However in a statement last week, town manager Gerard Dollard the timing of the replay for an evening throw-in on a Saturday evening presented “a different set of circumstances”.
He explained, “The logistics associated with the replay are significantly more complex than a Sunday afternoon showing. The revised ticket prices for the replay at Croke Park should make it more accessible to families with the reduced price for all tickets, including juvenile tickets at € 10. The cost and weather factors must also be taken into consideration. The council was delighted to stage such a family-friendly occasion last Sunday but due to cost, logistical and weather factors does not plan to repeat a similar open-air event for the senior replay.”
Local community activist Dermot Hayes is calling on the council to re-consider the decision. He said, “The big screen does not have to be in Abby Street car park. It could easily be in the Fair Green and remain erected until the home coming on Sunday. Our elected councilors should support the citizen, hurlers and fans.
We have seen many dark days in Clare in the last few years. The hurlers of both under 21 and senior have brought us great joy and excitement. It unites us as citizens of county and it brought so many families and friends together. A gathering in Ennis would bring to life a real passion that could be captured on film and used world wide in promotion.
The council has confirmed that a joint homecoming for the Clare senior squad and the All-Ireland winning under 21 panel will take place at Tim Smythe Park (Fair Green) on Sunday, September 29.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of one of Clare’s biggest GAA clubs has written to the President of the GAA requesting that a portion of the gate receipts from the replayed All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final between Cork and Clare on September 28 be allocated towards the respective county holiday funds. Pat Daly, who is Chairman of Éire Óg GAA Club, Inis, and is a former Mayor of Clare, said the players had trained nine months of the year to provide the people of Ireland with one of the most memorable sporting displays ever seen at Croke Park and should be rewarded for their efforts.
The sitting member of Clare County Council has suggested that funds of € 200,000 and € 100,000 respectively be provided to the All Ireland Hurling Championship winning and losing sides.