All-Ireland ladies football finalists disappointed over fixture clash

Fermanagh intermediate footballer Shannan McQuade, Antrim junior footballer Bronagh Devlin, Kerry senior footballer Síofra O’Shea, Deirdre Ní Choistín, CEO TG4, Trina Murray, LGFA President, Galway senior footballer Kate Geraghty, Roscommon intermediate footballer Helena Cummins and Carlow junior footballer Róisín Bailey. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The captains of two counties competing in Sunday's All-Ireland ladies football finals have said it's 'disappointing' that significant mens fixtures will go ahead locally on the same day.

All-Ireland intermediate finalists Roscommon, and junior finalists Carlow, have been left frustrated that senior club football championship games are taking place in their county the same day.

In both cases, junior and intermediate club fixtures are also scheduled for Sunday, potentially impacting on the two teams' support base at Croke Park.

Kerry contest the senior ladies final on Sunday and while there are no men's senior club fixtures slated for Sunday in the county, the Kerry SHC final will take place at 2pm in Tralee.

"I know some of them were changed, which was fantastic to see, but I still think there's some of them down, from the last time I checked," said Roscommon captain Helena Cummins of men's championship games in her county.

"There's still some of them due to throw in around 1pm, in and around the same time as our game. Not ideal. I suppose you probably wouldn't see it if it was the men's football (team in a final).

"So that's a little bit disappointing. But hopefully we'll have enough supporters to get us over the line and the true supporters will come and support us.

"You see with the ladies football, they put a halt to any club activity for the weekend, which is fantastic to see. It does encourage people to go up. It's a pity it couldn't be done in the men's football as well, especially considering that amalgamation is coming next year."

Roscommon will face Fermanagh in the intermediate decider at 1.45pm on Sunday, after the junior final between Antrim and Carlow. It will be the first time a Carlow ladies football team has played at Croke Park.

"That's a bone of contention," said Carlow captain Róisín Bailey of the men's club championship fixtures taking place in her county on the same day.

"I don't know what the relationship is there with the powers that be, but there is a couple of games going ahead which is maybe a little bit disappointing for us.

"I get that they probably have a tight window but there's lads that are expected to play on Sunday, and they have sisters and wives on the team. I know they'll probably make it back, I think games are slightly delayed and they'll make it back, but it's a massive day and we want to enjoy it.

"We'd love for all our support to come up and enjoy it as well. We're going to try to put that to the back of our minds. Supporters are probably more upset over it than we are."