Dublin are looking squarely at the other side of the coin this week.
The All-Ireland hurling qualifiers, meant to be played at neutral venues, have been fixed as a double-header at Semple Stadium, meaning that their clash with Tipperary will be made all the more difficult by the fact that the All-Ireland champions have acquired home advantage for themselves.
Having initially appeared that Dublin agreed to play in Thurles, it became apparent that they had no control over the situation, and Dublin chairman Sean Shanley told the that the Dubs are "disgusted":
We’re totally disgusted. We were told in advance of the draw that it would be a neutral venue so we’re very disappointed Tipperary have been given home advantage and that we have to travel to Thurles....
...This decision tells you what they really think of Dublin hurling.
Shanley questioned why the double header could not be staged in Limerick, and he is not alone in believing that Dublin have been largely shafted by the CCC.
Dublin not happy about venue choice for Saturday and who could blame them? What's neutral about Thurles? #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) July 3, 2017
Last time Tipp were in round 2 of quals, they played Offaly in Portlaoise. Waterf' played Wex' in Nowlan Park. Why the need for Thurles now?
— ConorMcKeon (@ConorMcKn) July 3, 2017
I just don't understand how Thurles is classed as the neutral venue for the Dublin V Tipp game, who makes these decisions in the GAA?? 😤
— Chloe ✨ (@Chloe__1710) July 3, 2017
Correct me if I'm wrong, but when does Thurles become a neutral venue for Dublin v Tipp next Saturday....just a thought😡@RTEgaa
— Deirdre Sheehan Mallow Swans (@DeirdreESheehan) July 3, 2017
Dublin/Tipp throws-in at5 pm on Saturday evening, with the main event, Kilkenny/Waterford, slated for 7pm.
