New York acknowledge visa worries

New York want the final to be played at their venue Gaelic Park

A New York official has told the BBC that visa difficulties surrounding the Exiles is the reason for the Ulster hurling final being under threat.

The final between Antrim and New York is scheduled for 4 June at Casement Park but the Exiles don't want to travel to Belfast.

"Half of our team or maybe even three-quarters couldn't get back home," said New York chairman Seamus Dooley.

This is because those players would not gain re-entry to the US.

Dooley made the comments in an interview with the BBC Irish Language programme An Domhnach Mor.

The New York chairman continues to hope that Antrim will agree to travel to the US for the final - although Antrim have firmly ruled that out.

Indeed, Antrim GAA chairman John McSparran has said that this year should be the final occasion that New York play in the Ulster Hurling Championship.

I think it's time everybody woke up and smelt the coffee Antrim chairman John McSparran

The Ulster Council says it was made clear to all competing counties that Casement is the final venue.

Antrim chairman McSparran told the Irish News that the "New York thing has run its course".

"The reality is that New York have players out there who can't afford to return home because they'll probably not get back again," said McSparran.

"I think it's time everybody woke up and smelt the coffee. Our focus is about promoting hurling in Ulster."

McSparran denied that the cost of a trip to the US was Antrim's main difficulty.

"It's the time factor. We have our own club championship, the Christy Ring Cup etc, so our calendar is full."

Monty Moloney's New York side reached the final by beating Derry 1-18 to 1-12 at Gaelic Park on Sunday.