“The only driver in this whole thing was the health and safety of patrons.”
During an interview with RTE, Alan Milton, GAA Director of Communications, has categorically denied that the decision to initially move the game to Croke Park was influenced by financial motivations.
After the decision was made yesterday to play the game at St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge on Saturday evening at 7pm, the GAA released a statement explaining the situation from their perspective.
This being said, Milton addressed the issue again with RTE.
“Thankfully discussions have taken place since then [that] have seen some of those issues addressed but I think it’s worth saying that the only driver in this whole thing was the health and safety of patrons. That has now been addressed and thankfully we’ve come to a situation where St Conleth’s Park can host the game and host the large crowd that’s expected, not just from Mayo but from Kildare too, and we’re back now talking about Gaelic football,” he said.
Sky Sports previously released a statement saying the issue had absolutely nothing to do with them and Milton also denied that the decision was influenced by broadcasters or finances.
“Categorically not,” said Milton when asked if any financial or broadcasting factors had an influence on the venues.
“Some of the most experienced and distinguished administrators in the GAA, including our provincial secretaries, serve on the CCCC. They’ve organised hundreds of games down through the years. They have vast experience and the only driver here was health and safety of our patrons that attend games. I’m not sure if people place enough store on health and safety until something goes wrong. It was the only motivation behind the fixing of the game for Croke Park,” he said.
He adds: “It may lead to a wider discussion in the off season about whether or not our stadia are fit for purpose or whether they need to be certified or delegated. But I think that’s for another day. I think the focus for Kildare and Mayo will return to the field of play. Both teams will want to be in the bowl for next Monday’s round 4 qualifier draw.”
You can see the interview here.
"Categorically no" – The GAA director of communications Alan Milton states money or TV did not motivate their initial decision to choose Croke Park to host Kildare's game. pic.twitter.com/rpcFzNx4q4
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) June 27, 2018
