DONEGAL midfielder Hugh McFadden says the only place he would want to beat Dublin is in Croke Park – but that he sees the merits of the argument to move them out.
The debate over the All-Ireland champions nominating headquarters as their home venue has come back into focus again as the start of the Super 8s looms this weekend.
Dublin will host Cork before then meeting Ulster champions Donegal in Croke Park for their ‘neutral’ clash.
Donegal put a motion to GAA Congress last year that would have prevented Dublin from playing two Super 8s games at the venue but it was shot down by delegates.
McFadden says it doesn’t bother him as a player.
“I suppose there are two different ways to look at it. As a player I don’t even pay attention to it. As a player the only place you want to beat Dublin is in a full Croke Park and that is the reality of it.
”As a member of the association, looking at the fairness of it, I can see where they are coming from. It is a home venue.
“It does not bother me as a player. I will go out and play wherever they want but there are two different sides to it.”
A change to the scheduling means the four provincial champions will be at home first this year, with Donegal facing Meath in Ballybofey.
McFadden admits that the loss to the All-Ireland champions in their first Super 8s game last year stemmed their flow, and that having home advantage first is preferable.
“This year it gives you a chance to continue your momentum to the second week, but if you don’t have your house in order you are going away to Mayo – if you’re still in the competition at that stage – to get two points, so it throws up and lot of different possibilities.
“Whatever team can perform consistently to the highest level is going to get through regardless of whether it is away, home or in Croke Park, and Dublin have done that. We cannot hide away from that.”
