Reprieve for Mayo hurlers as county ground becomes available for crucial match

Mayo GAA have this evening confirmed that Hastings Insurance MacHale Park is available to the senior hurlers for their crucial Christy Ring Cup game against Derry next Saturday (May 14).

In a statement released this evening (Sunday), Mayo GAA said: “The game against Derry was scheduled for James Stephens Park in Ballina by Croke Park earlier this year due to the extensive resurfacing works carried out at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.

“Mayo GAA can now confirm that emergency and recommended remedial works on the playing surface after the Mayo v Galway Connacht GAA championship match will be completed ahead of schedule to facilitate this crucial championship match for the Mayo hurlers.

“The recommended rest period after the Connacht GAA football championship match was five to six weeks but a redoubling of efforts from the ground staff at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park now means the pitch will be available for the Christy Ring Hurling Semi-Final (sic) next weekend.”

Technically not a semi-final, the Mayo v Derry game – the final round of the Christy Ring Cup group stages – has become a winner-takes-all encounter as whichever team comes out on top will meet Kildare in the final. The fixture has a 1 p.m. throw-in time next Saturday at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.