Michael 'Hopper' McGrath: 'I don't know where Gorey came out of'

Sarsfields manager Michael 'Hopper' McGrath was surprised that Gorey was chosen as the venue for their rescheduled AIB All-Ireland senior camogie semi-final against Slaughtneil, but added that the camogie association are at the mercy of the GAA when it comes to venues.

The game was scheduled to throw-in at 2pm in Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday but was postponed due to poor weather conditions, rendering the pitch unplayable.

It was then rescheduled for Sunday afternoon at the Naomh Éanna GAA ground in Gorey, Co Wexford. Given the long distances that both semi-finalists then had to travel, particularly the trek involved for Slaughtneil, the choice of venue did raise eyebrows. The Derry champions had to stay overnight in Bray as part of their preparation.

And so the game went ahead in difficult conditions. It took extra-time to decide the outcome, with Sarsfields prevailing by the bare minimum - 2-04 to 0-09.

Speaking after his side's victory, former Galway star McGrath gave his reaction to the venue chosen.

"You hope the Camogie Association would have had a plan B in mind. They are, however, at the mercy of the GAA when it comes to venues and the sooner there's a merger the better for everyone.

"I don't know where Gorey came out of. Both teams were anxious to play the match. You'd imagine we could have got somewhat nearer to both teams.

"It was three hours for us and I'd say three and a half hours for Slaughtneil. It wasn't as if we were coming down to a pitch that was something special. That's no fault of the people here (in Gorey), it was just the night that was in it and the conditions we've had all week," he told RTÉ's Sunday Sport.

Indeed the Sarsfields boss would not have objected to no extra-time being played and added: