Weather plays havoc with GAA fixtures

THE GAA’s weekend fixture schedule is set to be decimated by the weather.

Connacht Council chiefs yesterday announced that their four FBD League games have been postponed while GAA bosses in Leinster, Munster and Ulster will decide over the next 48 hours if their matches go ahead, with more snow and ice forecast by the Met office.

It leaves the provinces in a race against time to complete their competitions ahead of the commencement of the National League early next month.

The Connacht final had been due to take place on January 31 and while officials will meet today or tomorrow to decide on a revised schedule for the concluding stages, February 21 or 28 has been suggested for the decider.

Munster Council PRO Jim Forbes is adopting a wait and see approach. He said: “The state of play is that we are checking everything out and will come to a decision on Friday. We will see what will happen.

“It isn’t just the condition of fields. It is the conditions of roads and the safety of patrons travelling to games. There is heavy snow predicted in the south for the weekend and if that comes in, it will be very, very difficult to play the games.”

Forbes admits any postponements may lead to a “fixtures nightmare”.

“Basically these competitions have to be finished by the start of the National League.

“If we lose this weekend, we’d have to consider a blitz-type operation to get things run off in time. We would have to consider playing games midweek to get things back on track. But for now all we can do is wait and see, consult with the clubs and the weather forecasters. It is disappointing as the players and managers had been looking forward to the games. But unfortunately we have no control over the weather.”

The Ulster Council will decide tomorrow whether their McKenna Cup games including the Tyrone and Cavan clash go ahead as planned. In Leinster eight O’Byrne Cup ties are down for decision.

A Leinster Council source said a decision will be taken in the next 24 hours but admitted there’s ‘little chance’ of the matches being played. Approaches to Parnell Park, where Dublin are due to play Wexford, were described as dangerous for pedestrians and motorists.