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.