Outcry on social media over decision to switch Connacht SFC final from Castlebar to Croke Park

Some Mayo GAA supporters have taken to social media tonight to criticise the decision of the Connacht GAA Council to switch the Connacht SFC between Mayo and Galway from Elverys MacHale Park in Castlebar to Croke Park.

Up to 140 people alone have commented on the decision to date on the Facebook page of The Connaught Telegraph.

While there is some support for the decision, the majority of views expressed are against the move.

They believe a Connacht final should be played in the province - not in the capital city.

While up to 18,000 tickets will be available to fans at Croke Park compared to 3,600 in Castlebar as a result of the decision, many respondents believe it is putting unnecessary extra expense on families while resulting in a loss of revenue to Castlebar.

Reservations been also been expressed that bringing 18,500 from Mayo and Galway to Dublin for the match is not wise at a time when concerns are growing over the spread of the Delta Covid variant and the need to avoid crowds.

In their statement announcing the decision, the Connacht Council stated: "Following a meeting of the Connacht GAA Management Committee this evening, the decision has been taken to stage the Connacht Senior Football Final between Mayo and Galway on Sunday, the 25th July in Croke Park.

"Due to current Covid restrictions, had the game been held in Elverys MacHale Park the crowd would only have been 3,600 so the game has been moved to Croke Park to accommodate 18,000 supporters on the day.

"Further details to follow."