Mayo confirm Castlebar available to hurlers after outcry

The Mayo county board have confirmed their inter-county hurling team's final Christy Ring Cup group game against Derry will be held in Castlebar after all, following an outcry from management and subsequent "remedial works" on the playing surface.

After a six-point win over Sligo in Ballina on Saturday, Mayo now host Derry in their last round robin encounter, essentially a straight shootout for a Christy Ring Cup final in Croke Park.

However, the hurling management were angered by the disclosure that they would continue to play their home games at Ballina Stephenites venue, with Hastings Insurance MacHale Park closed off to them.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, hurling selector John Cunnane complained that the senior footballers were allowed train on the playing surface and yet the hurlers were unable to play championship games there.

According to the county board, the initial decision was made on the recommendation of the head groundsman at the venue.

However, they have now performed a U-turn, after a "re-doubling of efforts from the ground staff" and will Mayo will play Derry in their pivotal Christy Ring game at the venue next Saturday.

Mayo GAA released a statement announcing the news this afternoon.

"The game against Derry was scheduled for James Stephen's Park in Ballina by Croke Park earlier this year due to the extensive resurfacing works carried out at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.

"Mayo GAA can now confirm that emergency and recommended remedial works on the playing surface after the Mayo vs. Galway Connacht GAA championship match will be completed ahead of schedule to facilitate this crucial championship match for the Mayo hurlers.

"The recommended rest period after the Connacht GAA football championship match was five to