General agreement on decision to cancel Galway-Sligo quarter-final

OTHER than Sligo expressing opposition to their minor re-fixture being brought back to Galway on Saturday, there was general agreement yesterday on the decision to call off the Connacht SFC quarter-final between Galway and Sligo in Pearse Stadium because of the condition of the pitch.

The call to postpone the game, by referee Pat McEnaney in consultation with provincial secretary John Prenty, was made minutes after the minor game between the counties had been abandoned at half-time.

Sligo minor manager Pat Conway said he would be asking the county board to object to them having to play Galway again at the same venue next Saturday at 3.30, with the senior game timed for 5pm. “We were only two points down at half-time against a gale-force wind and we were very happy and positive until the game was called off,” he said.

“It’s tough on the minors. They are not treated with the respect they deserve. I know the senior is the big thing but when the game was ‘half over’ and it has to be replayed, it should be at home in Sligo.” Meanwhile, senior referee Pat McEnaney revealed that the pitch had been inspected at 9am and that it was playable at that stage. “It was looked at again before the minor game and it was fine. But, the rain was incessant and it didn’t look like it was going to clear. There is surface water lying there and it’s unplayable. We made a quick decision to call the game off.”

Galway County Board chairman Frank Burke said: “Conditions out there weren’t suitable for playing Gaelic football, with the ball floating around and players sliding. With the risk of injury, the referees at the end of the day made the right decision. Unfortunately, people could not be forewarned as to what was ahead.”

As yesterday’s games were all-ticket, supporters received ticket stubs on the way out of the ground which would give them free access next Saturday. The Munster JFC clash between Clare and Limerick was also postponed because of the conditions - it is re-fixed for Tuesday evening at the Gaelic Grounds (7.30pm) The eircom League games between Bray Wanderers and Sligo Rovers along with Shamrock Rovers and Athlone Town were off.

Rain at Mondello Park forced the cancellation of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.