The GAA President Nicky Brennan claims he is 'surprised' at the criticism levelled at the hierarchy over the venue for the NFL finals.

His argument is based on the fact that county teams knew in advance of Croke Park's closure and the perceived weak travelling support of Derry and Kerry.

This statement compounds the resentment, insult and inconvenience felt by thousands of ordinary GAA supporters. Granted it was a terrific result for Derry, particularly to come back after being seven points down.

Nevertheless, to host the final of the second most important competition in football at Parnell Park, only serves to compromise its integrity. It is simply an inadequate venue for a major final.

Surely a more realistic and common sense alternative was Pearse Stadium in Galway with a capacity of 34,000? Geographically it would also have suited all four participating teams. But as Oscar Wilde reportedly once said, 'common sense isn't that common'.

Deleting Rule 42 was essentially a progressive and positive decision. However, should the likes of Brian O' Discroll, Robbie Keane and Sting take preference over Gaelic games, resulting in Croker's closure, then our competitions will be increasingly demeaned and relegated to sub standard venues.

Yours etc.,

Sean Mc Erlean,

Culmore.