The Wicklow footballers earned themselves a quarter-final showdown with Dublin last weekend after a 1-20 to 1-15 victory over Offaly after extra-time in O'Moore Park.
The draw last October confirmed Dublin would be away for this fixture, with that game now set for May 27, 2018 in Portlaoise. It is thought the higher capacity of O'Moore Park meant it was selected over Aughrim. However, Wicklow GAA has asked that fixture to be re-set for their home venue given the benefit that would provide to the county.
Following our Leinster Senior Championship win over Offaly yesterday, Wicklow GAA formally requested that the Wicklow v Dublin Leinster Senior Championship Quarter Final be played in Joule Park, Aughrim.
All members of the Wicklow GAA are working hard to develop, promote and grow participation within the county, at all levels. The possibility of welcoming reigning All Ireland Senior Champions to Joule Park, Aughrim would give a sizeable boost to Wicklow GAA, our supporters and our players.
We are hugely disappointed that this request has not been considered. We feel a significant opportunity has been missed to promote GAA in Wicklow and assist the hard- work being done at all levels, across all codes, in the county.
This is something echoed by Wicklow manager John Evans after the game, as he told RTE Sport.
I think Dublin should come to Aughrim. There is nothing to fear in Aughrim and you’re our next door neighbours. Why not help out the next door neighbours in the Leinster championship?
Currently, Longford are the only team with a home venue for their quarter-final, as their clash with Meath is fixed for Pearse Park. Kildare versus Carlow and Westmeath against Laois is set for Bord Na Mona O'Connor Park.
A similar situation developed last year, as Dublin played Carlow at O'Moore Park in the quarter-final. Last season only Offaly were given a home quarter-final, with the replay then going to Westmeath.
