Why do Cavan have to play in Portlaoise?
April 11, 2014
O'Moore Park Portlaoise. INPHO
It is a heck of a longer journey for Breffni folk. The average Dub will be on the motorway within minutes and sitting outside O Moore Park in an hour. Compare that to a person setting out from Cootehill or Ballyconnell or even areas closer to the Pale like Virginia or Mullagh.
And then, and perhaps more importantly Dublin have already played two of their three under 21 games in Portlaoise, a huge advantage. They are familiar with the place.
Meath too had to take the longer journey to Portlaoise and Dublin not alone refused a toss of the coin (home or away) but also turned down an offer to play that Leinster final in Parnell Park. The Royals were arm twisted into taking the longer route. Then the excuse of floodlights was the deciding factor.
Dublin often have a habit of getting their own way in such arrangements. They have a brilliant young side and after losing out to complete outsiders Tipperary in the minor final three years back, their management team under Dessie Farrell are taking no chances on the matter.
They will be without Ciaran Kilkenny and possibly Cormac Costello, two of the best young players in the country. But they have a massive back up team and are at home on the wide open spaces of O Moore Park. This same pitch may not suit Cavan's style of play.
Ronan Carolan has described this years bunch as the best under 21 team of the four. They have the ability to go the entire way.
Our boys likewise should be provided with every chance of succeeding, no stone should be left unturned. For sure you will hear Croke Park arguments about a double header and having it on TG4 etc.
But perhaps the Cavan County Board should take a strong look at the matter and consult team management with regards how they feel. Certainly Longford, Navan or Mullingar would be much more neutral venues. Not alone for those travelling but grounds where Dublin have not already played in to date. Tweet
