Jack McCaffrey asks GPA to tackle fixture uncertainty

Earlier this month Dublin manager Dessie Farrell said the uncertainty around fixture dates and venues was a "problem" for his panel. 

Jack McCaffrey of Dublin in action against Cillian O'Connor of Mayo during the All-Ireland SFC Round 3 match at Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

Jack McCaffery has submitted a motion for consideration at Monday's Gaelic Players' Association AGM asking that the GPA work with the Gaelic games associations to ensure players are informed of exact fixture dates prior to the start of the championship.

McCaffrey, a doctor like Dublin teammate Mick Fitzsimons, regularly has to change shifts to ensure he can be part of the Dublin panel on matchdays.

Earlier this month, when it was uncertain when and where Dublin would play Mayo in their neutral venue game of the All-Ireland SFC group stage, Dessie Farrell said it was an issue for his panel. The game was eventually fixed for June 16 at Dr Hyde Park. 

“It’s definitely a problem," the Dublin manager said following his side's victory over Cavan. 

"Even not knowing what day is a problem. We have two doctors on our panel there and they’re continually asking us what do we know about when the game is on because they have to move shifts around.

“And there are others in that position too. It’s far from ideal. Even logistically… Booking hotels, all of that type of thing. It’s a challenge, for sure.”

McCaffrey's motion reads: "The GPA will work with the Associations to ensure that exact dates for all fixtures in the Championship are decided and circulated to players at the earliest possible date prior to the start of the competition."

Other motions up for consideration include one from Kildare footballer Kevin Feeley. 

His motion asks that "The GPA to work with the Associations to develop a Legacy Care Programme, that will ensure the inter-county medical team and county board provide medical care for player injuries post inter-county season and post-career."

Karen Connolly (Galway Football), Orla Devitt (Clare Football) and Fiadhna Tagney (Kerry Football) submitted a motion asking the GPA "to engage with the LGFA to secure appropriate injury cover to safeguard inter-county players from financial hardship / loss."

On behalf of the Tipperary camogie squad, Mary Ryan asks that the GPA "determine inter-county players’ preferences on the Camogie Association mandated wearing of skorts with respect to their comfort, wellbeing and performance."

The GPA's AGM will be held on Monday, July 1.