GAA ladies have little to cheer

LAST Sunday, the Cork ladies’ football team achieved a momentous three-in-a-row all-Ireland senior titles.

Unlike previous Sundays in Croke Park, where supporters, family and friends were allowed onto the field to congratulate their heroes, we were confined to our seats. Everyone was fighting for a vantage point to see the presentation, but supporters in the Cusack Stand could only look over at the figures made tiny by distance in the Hogan Stand.

I know of three people — one not so young — who fell from their seats while trying to see the presentation. My daughter got a kick in the head from a man who was not taking no for an answer and jumped over the stewards into the field, kicking her as he leapt. It was frustrating, dangerous and unfair.

Let’s have no excuses about ‘safety’ because Wexford, Kerry and Kilkenny supporters were on the pitch for the cup presentations on the three Sundays previously.

And I’m certain that if the Kilkenny hurlers and Kerry footballers achieve three-in-a-row next year, there will be no stopping them entering the pitch.

Because Mayo supporters outnumbered Cork’s by two to one last Sunday, I am certain the stewards would not have been able to prevent them from getting onto the pitch if they had won.

The GAA claimed the Cork team wanted to do a lap of honour — they had to do this to thank their supporters on the other side of the field.

The GAA still regards women as second-class. Do the association’s leaders realise how many women attend league and championship games? Women transport juvenile GAA players, wash jerseys, form committees to fundraise and take up positions on GAA committees. Do the GAA authorities realise that its most likely the girlfriend, wife or mother who is buying the replica kits which fund the county boards. Most county board draws will have an even split of men and women ticket-holders.

Every player on that field last Sunday deserved to be there. They train as hard, if not harder, than the men. They don’t get travel allowances, they don’t get meals, complimentary cars or preferential treatment for jobs. The girls are doing it for love of the game and wanting to be the best.

Croke Park owes the women of sport in Ireland an apology. This was not the first time this happened, and if we the supporters of women’s sport don’t kick up, it won’t be the last.

Let’s have a bit of equality on this sports-mad island.

Helen Cusack

Loughaderra

Midleton

Co Cork