ALL-IRELAND QUARTER-FINAL GALWAY V DONEGAL Sunday, 10 August, McHale Park, Castlebar, 1730BST Live Radio Ulster MW; Highlights BBC2 NI 2245.

The GAA's Games Administration Committee have defended their decision to set Sunday's Galway and Donegal All-Ireland quarter-final replay for Castlebar.

The Ulster county were not alone in suggesting that the McHale Park venue was like a home tie for the Connacht champions.

Donegal also complained that they were not fully consulted in the decision.

Manager Brian McEniff was also of the opinion that the early evening throw-in would decrease the size of the crowd because of work commitments the following day.

However, secretary Sean O Laoire, said that the GAC had taken in a number of considerations before fixing the venue for the Co Mayo venue.

''I can say that the GAC considered a whole range of options with regard to the game,'' he told the Irish Times.

''But they came down on what they felt was the best option.

''It's unfortunate there wasn't a venue directly between the two. But Castlebar was still the most suitable on a main, direct route.

''It can't always be possible to have a full consultation process. But in fact the view of Donegal had been canvassed in advance of the meeting.

''We do acknowledge that Castlebar is not equal distance and entirely central, but in the view of the committee it was most suitable.''

We primarily feel that it is not a fair venue for both sets of supporters Donegal secretary Noreen Doherty

Noreen Doherty, secretary of the Donegal Board Donegal confirmed that a request had been sent to headquarters to reconsider the venue.

''We primarily feel that it is not a fair venue for both sets of supporters,'' said Doherty.

''But we were also disappointed that we were not consulted at all in the decision.

''We understand that one match in Croke Park might not have been feasible, and that it wouldn't have made great sense to bring both side back there.

''Having said that we would have no problem with Croke Park.

''We felt, however, that a more neutral venue should have been sought, because we don't feel Castlebar is a neutral venue for a game between Donegal and Galway.

''We would also have felt that another week was possible, and that there was no great rush to have it played this weekend. If we had been properly consulted we would have been making that point as well.''