Munster GAA have confirmed that the Waterford hurlers’ home games will take place at Walsh Park this summer.
The new format in 2018 saw the introduction of home and away fixtures in a round robin system for the Munster Championship. Walsh Park was deemed unsuitable, and thus the 2017 All-Ireland finalists had to play Tipperary and Cork at neutral venues, in the Gaelic Grounds and Semple Stadium respectively.
Having no home games was cited by many as a contributing factor to the county’s early exit last season.
New manager Paraic Fanning remained adamant that their home ties will be held within in the county in 2019. Throughout the winter, Fraher Field and Nowlan Park were also discussed as options.
On Thursday afternoon, the Munster Council confirmed that the Déise’s meetings with Clare and Limerick will take place in the Waterford city venue, with a capacity of 11,000 being set.
“We are delighted to be playing our home games in Walsh Park on May 12th and June 2nd,” said Waterford County Board chairman, Paddy Joe Ryan. “Due to a structural issue at the ground in 2018, which significantly reduced the capacity, we didn’t play Senior Hurling Championship games at the ground.
“However, this issue has since been resolved and the capacity set at 11,000. These games will be a big boost for the county and local businesses and we look forward to welcoming the supporters of Clare and Limerick to Waterford City. We are embarking on a redevelopment of the ground, which will bring the capacity to 15,500, including 9,000 seats.”
Munster Council chairman, Liam Lenihan added: “I am pleased to confirm that Waterford will play their two home games in Walsh Park on May 12 and June 2. Today’s decision confirms that all of the competing counties in the 2019 Munster Senior Hurling Championship will have two home games. We look forward to working with Waterford County Board to ensure the smooth running of both fixtures scheduled at the Waterford City venue”.
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