Ladies officials unhappy with All-Ireland final fixture clashes

THE Ladies Football Association are disappointed that their TG4 All-Ireland finals in Croke Park on Sunday are clashing with finals in Galway and Kildare.

These are counties who will be participating in the senior and junior finals against Dublin and Sligo respectively.

Helen O’Rourke, chief executive of Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, said it was regrettable as efforts are being made to bring the GAA, the Ladies Association and the Camogie Association closer together.

“It is very disappointing, especially considering Galway are one of the pilot integration counties which were set down to bring the three associations closer together,” she said.

“It’s not as if the counties are rushed for time. Counties have changed finals in the past and played games on Saturday. The U-21 football final is being played Saturday, even though none of the two are involved in Croke Park.

“In Galway, you are talking about splitting families and clubs. We are trying to promote the GAA family.”

However, Galway captain Annette Clarke, a trainee garda in Templemore, stressed the clash was not an issue.

“We have to get on with our own game and forget about it.”

Galway are competing in the final for the first time since 1975, having won the junior title two years ago. They are managed by PJ Fahey, whose brother Gerry resigned as Offaly boss a fortnight ago. They qualified by beating Mayo in a semi-final replay.

“It was difficult on both occasions, but thankfully we kept our composure and got through,” added the captain. “Dublin have the advantage of having played in the final last year, but we’re not really taking that into account.”

Dublin lost last year’s decider to a last-minute Mayo goal.

Speaking at yesterday’s press briefing in Croke Park, Ladies Association president Geraldine Giles expressed their appreciation of TG4’s support. TG4’s Pol Ó Gallachoir said they were privileged to be in a dual role as broadcaster and sponsor.

“We are heartened by the increased profile of Ladies Football over the past few years and hope it will continue. In that context we should pay special tribute to the ladies of Mayo,” he said.

“Through their outstanding achievements of recent years, they have set the standard by which other teams will be measured.”