Former GAA president Sean Kelly believes that money will be the answer to the stand-off between Kildare and the central governing body.
Speaking to Ger on OTB AM, Kelly outlined the likely route for the two protagonists in a melodrama that has escalated rapidly since the third-round draw yesterday morning.
"I am somewhat amazed and disappointed that the situation has got to this, and I can understand perfectly the frustration of Kildare," said Kelly.
"When you look at it, there is a tendency when the grounds are very small, to move the games elsewhere to accommodate as many fans as possible. Putting the emphasis on money is probably slightly unfair, it is about accommodating the spectators that want to attend. Thankfully, Mayo and Kildare fans have a very lively following.
"Ultimately, it is in everybody's interest that the game be played. You mentioned a possibility of €250,000 extra - maybe the GAA could sit down with the Kildare county board and work out some way that they would get large compensation for it. Maybe that might work to get the game played, because you don't want a stand-off as it would be very bad for the whole GAA."
Kelly also told us that he believes the 'unholy mess' that the situation is will need to be resolved quickly for the benefit of players, management teams and fans. Long-term, however, Kelly was clear on the solution to these problems reocurring.
"What is really needed in places like Kildare especially, is probably a 20,000 all-seater stadium, which I think would be very viable given their location, their following and their general population. That might come into consideration if they are trying to discuss a deal."
In terms of the exact finances involved in any deal, Kelly was circumspect:
"It would depend on what the total take is. There would be a short-term one for the match itself, then if they go along with what I'm suggesting in terms of building a bigger stadium. There's an opportunity to look at helping them in getting the funding for that - that is where a little bit of focus needs to be as well."
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