Mayo GAA in race against time to host NL games under floodlights

Mayo GAA is in a race against time if it intends to stage home National League fixtures under floodlights next year.

A pylon holding a floodlight on the old Bacon Factory end of Hastings Insurance McHale Park remains sidelined after being damaged by Storm Eowyn last January.

However, delays in repairing and reinstating it have become a cause of concern within the sport, which may lose out on TV revenue if it's not in a position to stage games after dark for the benefit of armchair supporters.

The matter was raised at the October meeting of Mayo GAA County Board.

Board chairman, Seamus Tuohy, gave an estimate of 14 to 15 weeks before the felled pylon will be back in place.

As of now, Mayo GAA is not planning to host any of its National League games under lights.

Their first home game is fixed for Sunday, February 2, against Galway at 3.45 p.m. at Hastings Insurance McHale Park.

Andy Moran's charges open their campaign the previous Saturday at Croke Park against Dublin.

Their third round fixture against Tyrone on Sunday, February 16, will throw-in at 1.45 p.m. in Castlebar.

Round four, on Saturday, February 22, takes the squad to Armagh for a 5 p.m. match at Athletic Grounds.

Mayo are at home to Kerry on Saturday, March 1, before travelling to Celtic Park, Derry, on March 16.

Mayo's final encounter is against Donegal at Castlebar on Sunday, March 23, at 3.45 p.m.