Anger as Mayo hurlers are denied MacHale Park access

The Mayo senior hurling management have expressed their disappointment at not being able to play their upcoming Christy Ring Cup home fixtures at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.

After a poor league campaign which was dogged by injuries to key players, Mayo were relegated to Division 3 after losing by a point to Wicklow.

However, with a replenished squad and a turnaround in form, Mayo are now just two wins away from a Ring Cup final.

Derek Walsh's side face Sligo at home in the fourth round of the competition on Saturday. A win in that game, and against Derry at home the following week, would seal their place in the final.

The hurling camp wants those games played at the newly resurfaced MacHale Park, which was unveiled for the recent Connacht SFC clash between Galway and Mayo.

Instead they must continue playing their home games at James Stephens Park in Ballina.

The Mayo GAA board has stated that it is following the recommendations of the head groundsman at Croke Park in relation to protecting the surface.

They have also stated that their principal ground is not yet available for all teams.

The county’s minor football team, for example, will play Sligo in the championship at Ballina this Friday night.

Meanwhile, some repair work is still underway in one of the goal areas at MacHale Park.

The hurling set-up remains extremely disappointed that they cannot access the county’s main ground and are hopeful of a U-turn on that decision in the coming days.

"The county football team was able to train there ahead of the Galway game, although we were told they just had a kickaround" says selector John Cunnane. "And the Mayo senior footballers are able to train there, although we are told they only do ball-work there.

"But we would like to do