[DoctorMedicine]

Originally Posted by RealityCheck

Correct me if I am wrong but was the last time Sligo met Mayo not 2010 when Sligo beat them in Sligo? Meaning the final will be in McHale Park. Or are you telling me its just neutral venue exclusively when your playing Sligo in a final. I was pretty sure it was neutral for a home finals for Sligo, but now the more I think about it that seems very unfair.

If things were fair, Mayo(if they beat Leitrim) should have their final against Sligo played in McHale Park. However, I have heard through the grapevine that should Mayo reach the final, the game will be at a neutral venue.

I think it is ridiculous, but that's the way things are.

[mayo.mick]

Well discussed in the comments here.

[Syferus]

Originally Posted by DoctorMedicine

If things were fair, Mayo(if they beat Leitrim) should have their final against Sligo played in McHale Park. However, I have heard through the grapevine that should Mayo reach the final, the game will be at a neutral venue.

I think it is ridiculous, but that's the way things are.

How is it in any way ridiculous?

If a county doesn't have a home ground capable of hosting a Connacht final no home-away arrangements can be made. Would it be fair that Mayo get to play at home in this final but the next time Sligo had to play their 'home' game in the Hyde?

It's completely fair, you'll get your home game against Sligo next time you meet in the quarters or semis.

[munchkin_utd]

so, it seems that Sligo are about to agree with giving Mayo home advantage.

Mayo poised to receive MacHale Park final boost
By Colm Keys
Wednesday June 27 2012
THE Connacht Council will tomorrow night decide on a venue for the provincial football final between Sligo and Mayo, with MacHale Park in Castlebar thought to be the front-runner to host the game on Sunday July 15.

If an agreement with Sligo can be reached, the Connacht Council would be hoping to cash in on a bigger pay day for their showpiece game than could be generated at either Dr Hyde Park or Pearse Stadium.

The development of MacHale Park has stretched the resources of the Mayo County Board, so the hosting of a provincial decider would be a massive boost to their coffers.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/gael...t-3151568.html

Sad that money more than sporting reasons is deciding the venue, but at the same time it cant be magiced away that Mayo has an outstanding debt on their stadium that has to be paid (and gate receipts are the one major income to county boards) so I'll lament the situation rather than criticise it.

[blowitupref]

Seen this posted on Hoganstand (yes i know mostly rubbish over there)


If Sligo win then it would be sweet for them - Connacht title and getting paid to beat Mayo in McHale Park!

If they lose (particularly if they were to lose narrowly) then the accusations of selling a Connacht Championship would surface and the image of being the poor or greedy relation who put themselves at a disadvantage for a few bob wouldn't sit well with the supporters.

It's a fair point & a bit of dilemma for the Sligo GAA.

[Blackjack]

Originally Posted by blowitupref

Seen this posted on Hoganstand (yes i know mostly rubbish over there)


If Sligo win then it would be sweet for them - Connacht title and getting paid to beat Mayo in McHale Park!

If they lose (particularly if they were to lose narrowly) then the accusations of selling a Connacht Championship would surface and the image of being the poor or greedy relation who put themselves at a disadvantage for a few bob wouldn't sit well with the supporters.

It's a fair point & a bit of dilemma for the Sligo GAA.

It's certainly a valid point and it would appear that Sligo would have been damned if they did.
From a Mayo perspective, if Mayo were to win there any gloss would be taken off as a result of the home advantage card. It's in the Hyde now anyway, so aside from it being a smaller venue, there can be few complaints about that.

Sligo look handy enough and certainly should not be taken for granted, I see a close game and should be a good game of football, there for either team to take on the day.