The “Donegal Piper” Christy Murray says he is no longer allowed to play at Croke Park.
He has followed the Donegal footballers the length and breadth of the country for more than two decades, and is a fan-favourite for many attending Donegal fixtures.
However, ahead of Donegal’s do-or-die All-Ireland Championship clash against Dublin in Croker this afternoon, the Donegal Piper said that he was barred from entering the stadium with his famous bagpipes.
It isn’t the first time he has faced difficulties playing at Croke Park – before Donegal played Dublin there in a League fixture in 2020, Christy had a protracted stand-off with stadium security staff before eventually being allowed into the venue.
Via social media, Christy said that despite trying to agree a solution with Croke Park through the Donegal county board, he was not allowed to play before today’s game.
“Thanks Croke Park, piper cannot play in HQ. This has been simmering and (has not been) sorted. I wrote a letter through the Donegal board to Croke Park to sort (this) out quietly,” he said.
The Donegal Piper also claimed that bagpipes are now named amongst the forbidden items list posted outside the stadium.
“They even have a new sticker or their forbidden list… bagpipes! I take this personally and a form of harassment,” Christy said.
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“I don’t need this hassle. Thanks for the great memories to the team and supporters.”
Following the previous incident in 2020, Croke Park said the following in a statement regarding the restrictions that are placed upon supporters in the stands.
On that occasion, Christy had been allowed into the stadium following an agreement that the pipes would not be played.
“In accordance with the stadium’s ground regulations (part 6.9 excessive noise), the patron was advised that it would not be possible to play his bagpipes within the Hogan Stand seated area, where his tickets were for, as it might interfere with the enjoyment or comfort for many other supporters that were seated in close proximity to the patron,” the 2020 statement read.
“This decision was made giving particular consideration to the overall match day experience for supporters from all three counties in attendance in the stadium on Saturday night and seated throughout the stand.”
“The patron entered the stadium with his bagpipes, after a commitment was received that they would not be played in the stand during the matches.”
Croke Park have been contacted by Donegal Daily for a statement.