Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Last Sunday most hurling supporters in the country watched one of the greatest games since Tipperary beat Kilkenny in 2010. We were all looking forward to the replay next Saturday. However, according to a media report this morning, it appears that our national sports organisation and the national broadcaster have bungled it, as one body will not facilitate the other in terms of the timing of the game. The Irish hurling supporter will either have to be one of the crowd in Tullamore or will not see the match. While Tullamore has a fine stadium, I understand it has a capacity for less than 20,000. I ask the Leader if some intervention can be made on this issue. Several hurleys were broken at that match last Sunday. Hurleys are becoming a more expensive item. Ash dieback appeared in Ireland in October 2012, and to date, so far as I can see from parliamentary questions, we have had 96 cases. The price of hurleys is increasing. Some 80% of ash is imported from the Continent. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to come to the House to give us an update on the issue. The last parliamentary question on the issue was answered in November 2013. I understand, anecdotally, there have been a number of problems since. Those who are interested in our national game want to know if hurleys will be available for the All-Ireland hurling final in Croke Park in September.