Why so many games are played on Saturday of St Patrick's weekend

GAA director of club, player and games administration Feargal McGill explains all the factors that go into fixture decisions. 

Feargal McGill, GAA director of club player and games development, speaking during the GAA Fixtures Master Plan 2018 announcement at Croke Park, in Dublin. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

It’s a tradition that the Allianz League and St Patrick’s Day don’t mix.

The last time the national holiday fell on a Sunday in 2019, just one game – Clare v Meath’s footballers – was played, the remainder organised for the day before. In 2013, there were no league fixtures on March 17 as it was the preserve of the All-Ireland senior club finals.