Roscommon County Board chairman Michael Fahey is staunchly defending the staging of this year's Connacht SFC final at Dr Hyde Park.

Many eyebrows were raised when the Connacht Council announced that the Roscommon venue would host the provincial decider between Mayo and Sligo.

It was thought that the game would be played in Pearse Stadium, Salthill or MacHale Park, Castlebar as it was believed that Hyde Park did not meet the safety standards required.

However, Fahey was adamant that the grounds met all requirements and is the perfect place to host the provincial final.

"Some of the stuff that has been said and written is utterly untrue," Fahey told the Roscommon Herald. "The harsh reality is that a Connacht final in Salthill would have resulted in traffic problems at the height of summer.

"Sligo had the choice where the game would take place. They were obviously reluctant going to Castlebar. Pearse Stadium has issues in relation to traffic, so they chose the Hyde.

"We're taking the necessary steps to have a management plan in place that will comply with health and safety standards required."

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