Love is in the air at Galentine’s launch of innovative ladies fixtures plan; London and Cork for Semple double bill; GPA’s sickening own goal.
By Noel Dundon, Tipperary Media
It was Valentine’s evening and there was certainly a sense of mutual love in the very room where the GAA was conceived 141 years ago. But this was more of a ‘Galentines’ event as Tipperary Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Tipperary Camogie gave birth to a first ever in the country, joint club championship fixtures plan which allows both codes to run their affairs without any clashes.
Such a simple, yet very complex coming together of the two associations has paved the way for dual players in Tipperary to enjoy both codes without having to make very difficult decisions. On many occasions in the past we have heard of key players having to make decisions due to fixture clashes – it was like having to pick a favourite child. And, the more calls that were made for somebody to give way with those fixtures, the more digging in was done.
But, all that is in the past now in Tipperary and thanks to the very sensible approach of the officers of the LGFA and Tipperary Camogie, a comprehensive plan is in place which will allow players to see exactly when their games are fixed for -within reason that is. With just 12 weekends available to run the championships across both codes, the calendar is extremely tight, and weather events as well as other unforeseen happenings can always scupper plans somewhat.
The key thing here though, is that both associations are talking to each other and by virtue of the vibes emanating from the Davin Room in Hayes Hotel at the launch evening, they are really enjoying the experience. There is great respect between the two groups and it is quite clear that both sets of officials are learning from each other. With two new chairpersons at the helm – Grainne O’Leary with Tipperary Camogie, and Damien Johnson with Tipperary LGFA – there is a real sense of purpose and this innovative plan has certainly established a conversation.
Tipperary is the first county in Ireland to embark upon such a plan and considering that the integration of LGFA and Camogie into the GAA is due to be implemented in 2027, this move would certainly appear to bode well for the future. Of course there will be challenges going forward and many of them. But, few challenges are bigger in modern day Gaelic Games than the fixtures ones which crop up each and every year.
Tipperary had led the way with this plan – no doubt others will follow.
Saturday double bill for FBD Semple will attract a Premier following.
With the Tipp senior footballers continuing their good form following victory on their travels over Waterford, the scene is set for a very attractive double bill in FBD Semple Stadium with London and Cork both to be welcomed on Saturday.
Victory for the footballers in front of the home support would really set them up for a right tilt at promotion, while the hurlers clash with Cork is eagerly anticipated, as are most clashes between the rivals. The fact that the game will be played under lights only adds to the atmosphere and there is expected to be over 10,000 in attendance to witness it all.
With the hurlers having lost their last outing to Limerick, though their performance was plenty to cheer about, Liam Cahill will want his men to return to winning ways – especially at home. He has spoken about the desire to turn Semple Stadium into a Premier fortress and when better to start that process than with a win over last year’s All-Ireland finalists.
Make sure to get there and cheer on both the footballers and the hurlers.
GPA Report is way off the mark.
Whoever in the GPA thought it was a good idea to produce a report so that they could whinge about the cost of being an inter county player, really needs to reassess what the Association is for in the first place – whose interests are being served here? There are few hobbies, be they sporting, cultural, artistic etc which do not cost money. Yet, the vast majority of participants do not turn the screw seeking support just so that they can participate. Nobody is putting the gun to the head of the inter county player to play – there are thousands who would love to take their place. That should not be forgotten by the powers that be.