Joint homecoming for Clare teams

A JOINT joint homecoming celebration is planned for the Clare under-21 and senior hurling teams, who are facing All-Ireland final deciders.

The joint homecoming will take place on Sunday, September 29 at Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park (Fairgreen) with a time to be confirmed, Clare Local Authorities have announced. Planned activities include music and other entertainment.

“The replay of the senior final on Saturday, September 28, coupled with the commonality between the U-21 and senior panels, has resulted in a unique situation. Following consultation with the Clare GAA County Board it has been agreed that a joint homecoming event is appropriate having regard to the overall circumstances,” said Gerard Dollard, Ennis town manager and Director of Services.

Meanwhile, the council has confirmed that there are no plans to repeat the big screen event hosted in Abbey Street car park on Sunday last. Mr Dollard said while the event proved very successful with over 3,000 people enjoying the occasion, the timing of the senior final replay for an evening throw-in on a Saturday evening presented “a different set of circumstances”.

He explained, “The logistics associated with the replay are significantly more complex than a Sunday afternoon showing. The revised ticket prices for the replay at Croke Park should make it more accessible to families with the reduced price for all tickets, including juvenile tickets at €10. The cost and weather factors must also be taken into consideration.”

The council confirmed the cost of Sunday’s event was approximately €8,000 and its focus now is on mounting a memorable homecoming event on September 29 for the players and management of both the Clare under-21 and senior sides.

Clare take on Antrim in the All-Ireland under-21 final this Saturday in Thurles at 5pm.