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Strong opposition to GAA venue bombshell By Tom Kelly A controversial decision by the Connaught GAA Council regarding the hosting of future provincial senior finals at McHale Park in Castlebar is set to be challenged. The council are making a ruling that future deciders involving Mayo and Sligo or Leitrim can no longer be staged at the 35,000-seater venue. The move has been condemned as 'crazy' by officials of Castlebar Mitchels, the owners of the £1m. stadium. The club secretary, Jody Munnelly, wrote to the Mayo County Board for clarification on the matter. He was told the Connaught Council had made a decision which was due for sanctioning at the forthcoming convention. Now the Castlebar club is likely to mount stern opposition to the proposal. A Mitchels spokesman said it could result in a serious loss of revenue to the town in the years ahead. Mr. John Prenty, secretary of the Connaught Council, said he did not see the reason why the club were getting upset about the matter. He pointed out that Sligo and Leitrim had not reached the Connaught final on more than three occasions in the last 30 years. He explained: "A condition of the decision is that senior finals involving Galway and Sligo or Leitrim will be staged at McHale Park when they are due. This will compensation Castlebar for any loss in revenue." It is understood, however, that Castlebar Mitchels are unhappy with Mr. Prenty's explanation and will do everything in their power to retain the existing arrangements.
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