Monaghan’s McGonagle plans upset by late throw-in switch

A ROW has erupted over the timing of the weekend’s All-Ireland Ladies SFC quarter-finals.

The games — Monaghan v Meath, Cork v Dublin — were originally fixed for Saturday in Birr at 4pm and 6pm respectively. However, the ties have now been changed to 2pm and 4pm with the games broadcast by TG4.

Monaghan manager Gregory McGonagle last night blasted: “It is very unfair. As a management we are always trying to impress on the girls the importance of attention to detail. We were informed two weeks ago that the game was fixed for Birr at 4.15pm. On Monday morning I received a phone call to say there was a rumour going around that the game was going to be changed.

“I rang Croke Park and was assured that there was no change. Then I got a phone call later in the evening that the timing of the game was changed.

“Now a few hours may not seem like a lot but it has huge impact on our preparations. We had been planning for a later start and that involved booking buses, arranging places to eat and what have you.

“A few of the girls asked if they could work on Saturday morning — and in these economic times it is difficult to say no.

“Now all of that is out the window. Where does the blame lie? I don’t know. There is no transparency. But it is a pity that we are only learning about this problem a few days before the game. The problem should have been highlighted.”

However, Ladies Gaelic football chief executive Helen O’Rourke last night insisted there was nothing untoward about the decision.

“While we issue a provisional fixture list some weeks in advance of championship matches, we always confirm fixtures on the Tuesday before the games and this week is no different. Our provisional fixture list was updated earlier this (Tuesday) afternoon to reflect throw-in times of 2pm and 4pm for this Saturday’s TG4 SFC quarter-finals.”

On Monday, Croke Park fixtures chiefs confirmed that the All-Ireland U21 semi-finals — Dublin v Antrim and Galway v Limerick — would be broadcast live on TG4 at 4pm and 6pm respectively.

However, TG4 said that it will be showing the ladies’ games live at 2pm and 4pm followed by the clash of Limerick and Galway. The Dublin/Antrim clash will be a deferred showing later that evening.