Go-ahead for inter-provincials

A DECADE after coming on board as official sponsor, Cooraclare businessman Martin Donnelly has agreed to bankroll the inter-provincial championships for another term.
Over the past few years, Dublin-based Donnelly made no efforts to hide his disillusionment at Croke Park’s apathy to the formerly-named Railway Cup. His angst stemmed from the fact the championships weren’t given a specific date on the fixtures calendar and neither were they, in his opinion, properly marketed.
This year, Croke Park has agreed to host the hurling and football interpros on free weekends in the respective Allianz League competitions, a measure that has met with Donnelly’s approval.
“I’m on board and everything is going ahead,” admitted Donnelly. “It’s on a lifeline but we’ll have a launch and it’s key now to get the message out there.”
He believes the timing of the games in February may work in the competition’s favour. “I don’t know but it seems people are more anxious at the moment to get to games,” he added.
The M Donnelly Interprovincial football semi-finals take place on February 19. Leinster welcome Munster to Parnell Park, with Connacht hosting Ulster at Markievicz Park. The final is scheduled for Sunday, February 26.
The hurling semi-finals, also on February 19, will see Leinster entertain Munster in Nolan Park and Connacht host Ulster in Ballinasloe. The final is scheduled for Sunday, March 4.