GAA finals delayed in bid to avoid rugby clash

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup odyssey has caused a headache for the GAA with major disruptions to county final club fixtures nationwide next weekend.

Meath officials have postponed Sunday’s SFC final between Navan O’Mahonys and Na Fianna by eight days to Bank Holiday Monday to avoid a direct clash with the Ireland versus Argentina game, which kicks off at 1pm. A crowd of around 4,000 had been anticipated in Navan and a reduction of even 500 from that figure due to the quarter-final rugby tie, which has a 1pm start, would hit county coffers for €7,500.

It’s understood that both sets of club players were advised in advance of Ireland’s win over France last weekend that a postponement was on the cards should Ireland advance.

Cork have pushed back their football decider between Nemo Rangers and Castlehaven by an hour to 5pm on Sunday in the hope of avoiding any hit on attendance.

“It was originally a 4pm start so we’ve rescheduled it by one hour,” said Cork GAA spokesman Edmond Forrest.

“A deferment wasn’t feasible because of various other fixtures.

“Even last weekend, we brought forward the hurling final by 45 minutes which allowed people the time to be at the game and to get back home or wherever they were going to watch the rugby game against France.”

Donegal’s football final between Naomh Conaill and St Eunan’s is pencilled in for a 4pm throw-in though a request for an alteration was anticipated ahead of last night’s full county board meeting. Roscommon GAA chiefs have set a 4.30pm throw-in time for their football final between Padraig Pearses and Clan na nGael, with a spokesman suggesting that supporters of both clubs will have time to watch both games if they wish.

The Offaly SHC final between Coolderry and St Rynagh’s has been given a 4pm start in O’Connor Park, while the Laois senior final between Emo and Portlaoise will throw-in at 5.15pm.