The Munster Council of the GAA last night took serious issue with Waterford’s rebuttal of claims that it suggested staging a would-be Munster Hurling Final against Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

In a lengthy statement, the provincial body’s Competitions Control Committee set down “the facts” surrounding the selection of the venue for next month’s decider between Waterford and either Cork or Limerick – raising embarrassing questions about Deise denials that it instigated the idea.

The Council has outlined how at a committee meeting on April 1st Semple Stadium was agreed upon as the venue for the possible meeting of Cork and Waterford.

However, at a subsequent CCC meeting on May 13th, “the Waterford Delegate on the committee informed the members that Waterford were in consultation with Tipperary and Cork on the venue for the Munster Final were his county to reach that stage of the competition against either opposition.

“He informed the members present that this was decided on by the County GAA Executive in Waterford and further stated that an agreement had been reached with Tipperary to play the game at Semple Stadium should both of those counties qualify for the Munster Senior Hurling Final. He added that discussions were ongoing with Cork on the matter.”

It was agreed to discuss the matter again immediately after the Cork-Tipperary quarter-final. In the meantime, according to the Council’s statement, “A number discussions took place between Waterford Officers and Officers of Munster GAA and it was clear to the Council Officers that the request from Waterford to revisit the venue decision was considered and decided on by the Executive of Waterford GAA County Committee.

See The Munster Express newspaper for full story.