TDs from Tipperary will demand answers after Semple Stadium was not included among the eight GAA stadiums proposed within Ireland's bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Jackie Cahill of Fianna Fáil and Labour TD Alan Kelly are incensed at Thurles' exclusion from Irish rugby's grand plan, and the Examiner are reporting that Cahill intends to raise the issue in the Dáil today.
Cahill described the decision to omit Semple as 'incomprehensible', while Kelly labelled the snub 'beyond comprehension'. Unconfirmed reports claim Michael Lowry can't comprehend the situation either.
Last night it was suggested that Thurles' lack of accommodation put pay to its chances of being a host town if Ireland does indeed host World Rugby's marquee event in seven years' time, and Thurles native Cahill confirmed he had heard similar reasons given when speaking in the Examiner today. He told John Fogarty and his namesake, journalism's Jackie Cahill:
I can’t understand it. I’m told it’s a lack of hotel beds, but Thurles is within three miles of the motorway and has one of the best rail infrastructures in the country. It’s the second largest stadium in the country, with an impeccable record of holding big crowds.
It’s incomprehensible for me, as a Thurles man. I find it sickening that it has been overlooked.
Killarney is on the list, a fine field, but very little seating accommodation and, to get to Killarney from Dublin is a day’s work. Fly into Dublin airport and you’re in Thurles in an hour-and-a-quarter. Fly into Cork and you’re in Thurles in an hour, Shannon the same way, plus the railway line is within a couple of hundred yards of the stadium.
Alan Kelly added to Cahill's obvious dismay, rejecting perceived accommodation issues considering the stadium easily holds 50,000 fans for Munster hurling finals:
I’m very disappointed that Thurles isn’t included and I would ask for it to be reconsidered. Thurles is one of the best stadia in the country and has a long association with sport. I can’t understand what infrastructure issues are there to prevent it from being one of the chosen venues. Thurles can deal with 50,000 people for a Munster final in its environs and the businesses and townspeople believed Semple Stadium would be on the list. It’s a huge negative for the people of Thurles and surrounds.
Something tells us this won't be the last we hear of Semple's exclusion. For more, including the thoughts of Tipperary county board secretary Tim Floyd, head to the Irish Examiner.
