‘Grave doubts’ in Kerry over GAA calendar

Kerry GAA officials have expressed "grave doubts" about the workability of a Central Council plan to complete all competitions in the calendar year.

“By insisting that the All-Ireland Club championships be completed by end of calendar year, there will be no option but to shorten the life span of county championships and reduce number of games. What is progressive about this, I don’t know,” Kerry secretary Peter Twiss will tell next Monday’s annual convention in the Kingdom.

He added: “Knocking clubs out of club championships earlier than needed serves no purpose; it only makes it all that much harder to keep interest in the club going. As the saying goes, ‘Where complex problems involving human beings are involved, the most obvious and simple solution is usually the wrong one.’ It is good to have reviews and fresh thinking, but the people left to solve the day-to-day issues with fixtures — i.e. the CCCs around the county and at provincial and national level — should be consulted a lot more before ideas become policy.”

Twiss also bemoans suggestions of a “deliberate bias” within the county board against Tralee when it comes to games being fixed for Austin Stack Park. The issue resurfaced when the replayed Kerry SFC final was played in Fitzgerald Stadium and not Austin Stack Park, which housed the drawn game.

“Let me assure all GAA followers in the county and in particular our great supporters from Tralee and surrounding area, there is no such bias against Tralee, nor any other town or village in Kerry. To suggest same is both mischievous and unfair. In Kerry, we pride ourselves on everybody coming behind the county, whether it’s supporting our teams or embarking on initiatives that will enhance the Association here in the county. In relation to local fixtures, the county CCC — made up of representatives from each Divisional Board and members of the management committee — make the calls on where and when games are played. Most times there is unanimity when reaching decisions. Where a difference of views arise, the matter is discussed and a vote taken. Where the teams that are involved in the fixture express a view, such a view is given consideration.”

Addressing suggestions that Kerry chairman Patrick O’Sullivan might have influenced the replay switch to his hometown, Killarney, Twiss insisted: “The chairman of the county board does not have any role on where these games are played — nor have I ever known a situation where he or his predecessors have expressed a preference for where games should be played. As for inter-county games, in hurling all games tend to be played in Austin Stack Park. It’s a similar story for Minor and U21 Football games. In relation to the Allianz Football League where Kerry have four home games, we play two in Tralee and two in Killarney. Where Kerry have only three home games, we play two in Austin Stack Park and one in Fitzgerald Stadium. So much for having a bias against fixing games in Austin Stack Park.”

The secretary also reported county finances show “a healthy situation”.

As well as paying tribute to the retiring Paul Galvin and Declan O’Sullivan, Twiss namechecks a behind-the-scenes stellar talent, stepping down from his role as Central Council delegate.

“If All Star awards were given out for GAA administration, Eamon O’Sullivan would be a multiple award winner. A deep thinker with great vision and a gentle manner, Eamon has been one of our greatest ever administrators.

“He has been an officer of Kerry County Board for 28 years, coming in as PRO in 1986. He also held the positions of delegate to Munster Council, secretary, assistant secretary and Central Council delegate.

“While Central Council delegate, he served on the management committee in Croke Park.

“I have no doubt Eamon will continue to play an active role in GAA affairs for years to come but it must be acknowledged that one of the greats has departed the scene.”