Sligo need to decide where to play Mayo

Sligo officials have been left with an awkward decision over where the Connacht final should be played. They can either travel for over two hours to go to Galway or take the other option which is just half that distance, in Mayo.

It is Sligo’s turn to decide where the Connacht final on July 19th against champions Mayo takes place following their shock win over Roscommon at the weekend.

Because Sligo's home ground, Markievicz Park, does not have the sufficient capacity to host the provincial final – 16,000 is the venue's capacity – any time they reach the decider the teams take it in turn to choose the venue.

Mayo and Sligo last met in the final back in 2012 when Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon was the chosen neutral location by Mayo. But with Sligo unable to host the provincial decider since the Slattery Report downgraded its capacity to 18,750 in 2012, Sligo's options are to bring both sets of supporters to Pearse Stadium in Salthill or to play the final in Mayo's home of MacHale Park in Castlebar.

Final weekend

Initially it was expected that Niall Carew’s side and supporters would be asked to encamp to Galway for the final weekend, but Sligo delegates were last night due to be begin discussing the pros and cons of the selection.

The Connacht GAA Competitions Control Committee will rubber stamp Sligo decision and the province's GAA president, Mick Rock said the choice is Sligo's: "Any time Sligo are involved in a Connacht final they cannot have a home final, so they alternatively take turns to nominate the venue. It's Sligo's turn this year."

Meanwhile, Sligo defender Ross Donovan is looking forward to having a go at stalling Mayo's five-in-a-row dreams.

“Hopefully the drive for five will curse them too,” said Donovan. “But they are playing super stuff. It is like everything they are a credit to Connacht football.

“ Everyone wants a shot at the All-Ireland regardless if you are good enough or not. It is days like that you play for.”