Hurling semi-final fans asked to ‘hurlthehabit’ in Croker on Sunday

ON a day that promises breath-taking displays of sporting prowess, Croke Park is partnering with the HSE’s Quit Team to encourage any smokers in the crowd at the All-Ireland hurling semi-final this Sunday, August 13 to #hurlthehabit.

As Cork play Waterford in the senior match and Dublin in the minor clash, patrons will also be asked to refrain from smoking anywhere inside the stadium to assess the potential of Croke Park becoming completely smoke-free in the future in line with many stadia across Europe.

Ambassador Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh said: “I smoked during an era when the health ramifications weren’t widely known. It wasn’t unusual to see players smoking in the changing rooms, at half time and even on the sidelines of Croke Park.

“Quitting many years ago was one of the best decisions of my life and I’m delighted to support this initiative.”

It is hoped that the #hurlthehabit themed semi-final will influence other clubs across the Association to become smoke-free zones too as Ireland strives towards its 2025 tobacco-free target.

Martina Blake, HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Lead, said: “The decision to make our national GAA stadium a smoke-free venue for the All Ireland Hurling Semi Final is an important step towards a Tobacco Free Ireland.

“It sends a powerful message to all the children in the stadium that smoking is hugely harmful.