Managers bemoan final venue
While a big crowd is expected at O’Neills Healy Park this afternoon, both Armagh and Derry feel the game should be taking place at Croke Park.
Speaking to Belfast Live earlier this week, Derry boss Damian McErlain stated: “When you see all the different matches that are taking place at Croke Park, there’s no reason why this couldn’t be played before one of them.
“I think the whole minor Championship is being diluted left, right and centre between no speeches, no Man-of-the-Matches and no interviews. I don’t think anyone is listening - it is falling on deaf ears.
“I don’t think anyone is listening because I don’t see anyone bringing the conversation up.
“I think even without stringing the season out longer, you could have them before the All-Ireland semi-finals.
“You’ve two matches next weekend. You could play the minors at 12 o’clock. At the end of the day, the minors aren’t going to fill Croke Park, but it is a curtain-raiser.
“At the same time, to win an All-Ireland at Croke Park would be something else for the boys. Some of them will never get to play there. Some of the lads will never get to run out at Croke Park after this age group.”
His sentiments were echoed by Armagh Coach Stefan Forker.
“I’ve spoken about my own experiences and the big days I got to enjoy,” said Forker.
“We (Armagh minors) played before the seniors in 2005 and there were 60-65,000 in Croke Park by the end of the match.
“If you’re seeing that as a negative thing as a player then I think you’re not going to go too far and if we are preparing them for senior teams then surely, if they are going to play there in four or five years’ time, it’s a chance for them to learn to deal with that.
“I know there is a problem fixture-wise, but Croke Park could certainly facilitate a final.”