Galway chiefs have called on Croke Park to change the venue for this year's Bord Gais Under 21HC final to be changed, deeming Semple Stadium as an "unfair advantage" to opponents Tipperary.

The GAA confirmed back in May that the venue for the U21 final would be moved from Croke Park to Semple Stadium but Galway hurling board secretary said last night that the game must be moved due to Tipp involvement in the decider.

He stated: "After our semi-final win over Dublin on Saturday, we learnt that Semple Stadium was the venue being mooted for the final. We wrote to Croke Park on Monday evening and stated clearly that we want the GAA to find an alternate venue for this game.

"They have an unfair advantage if the game is played there. You can't equate it to 2007 when we faced Dublin in Croke Park in am All-Ireland final. That's the national stadium whereas Semple Stadium is where these Tipperary players play regularly and it is their training ground.

"We've no problem with Semple Stadium as a pitch and venue but let's be fair it's a completely different story when we're facing Tipperary in an All-Ireland final. If the match is moved, the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick or O'Moore Park in Portlaoise would be the likely front runners."

With Kerry and Meath set to contest the U21B final beforehand, the venue will be seen as ideal for all teams geographically.

Tipp boss Ken Hogan says his team will accept whatever venue is decided for the match: "We have got to play where ever we're put. Everyone loves to play at Semple Stadium but whatever venue is picked will be good enough for both teams." Tweet

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