Widespread concerns over suitability of Tipperary and Offaly All-Ireland final venue

Many people this week have called for the All-Ireland Under 20 hurling final to be moved to a different venue with the key issue being that the current demand for tickets exceeds space at the venue as well as concerns over the level of grass following a recent concert.

UPMC Nowlan Park hosted 74-year-old rocker Bruce Springsteen earlier this month and there are concerns about the surface suitability as it was damaged following the recent wet spell and the trodden surface following the concert.

This year the compact Kilkenny City arena was the GAA choice as it is the 100th year anniversary of the death of GAA stalwart James Nowlan whom the ground is called after.

The present U20 trophy is also called after the former GAA president, so the day has been planned for Kilkenny for some time however the demand for tickets - as well as the pitch issues - mean that the Gaelic Grounds and Portlaoise as well as Croke Park have been touted by many as possible alternative venues. 

The Gaelic Grounds capacity would be over 40,000 so it could comfortably cater for demand which is estimated to be higher than the capacity in Kilkenny. An online petition from supporters as well as calls from former players to consider a change mean that the issue may be examined. 

The closer it gets to the big day for players though the lesser the chances of change so should there be a venue switch it would need to be put in motion as soon possible. 

Both Tipperary and Offaly won their respective provincial campaigns and the final is a repeat of the minor final at the same venue two years ago which Tipperary won with a last-gasp goal.