The Coronas' Danny O'Reilly criticises 'preferential' GAA treatment

ireland
The Coronas' Danny O'reilly Criticises 'Preferential' Gaa Treatment
Danny O'Reilly said the live music industry needs a plan from Government.
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Vivienne Clarke

The Coronas' frontman Danny O'Reilly has called on the Government to provide a roadmap for the return of live music, criticising what he described as preferential treatment for the GAA.

Following discussions between the Government and sporting bodies, the number of fans permitted at this year's semi-finals was set at 24,000, while the All-Ireland finals at the end of August will have 40,000 fans in attendance.

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The live music industry on the other hand took a heavy blow on Wednesday with the announcement that Laois County Council refused to grant Electric Picnic organisers a licence for this year's festival, at which The Coronas had been due to perform.

O'Reilly told RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland that the situation is "very disappointing", and the core issue for him was that there was no plan for the industry.

In contrast to the plans for large crowds at the remaining inter-county GAA fixtures, O'Reilly said: "But we can only have 200 at an event until the end of September."

"You see what’s going on with Katherine Zappone and how quickly Fáilte Ireland can meet the Government. There was no rush for the events industry," he said.

The sector is well regulated and knows how to put on safe events, with many venues around the country which could host events in a responsible way, the singer said.

"We’re not banging down the door to let 40,000 people into a gig. We just want a plan," he added.

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