SINÉAD’S 20X20 VISION FOR 2020
In the oddest of years, Dubs ace hopes for equal relief
IDEALLY, Sinéad Aherne s hould be talking tactics and Dublin’s bid for their own slice of history in the shape of a four-in-a-row of All-Ireland titles.
After all, it’s only the tail-end of last summer that the Dublin captain and former Footballer of the Year proudly lifted the cup to the backdrop of a record crowd of 56,114 at the showpiece final and President Michael D Higgins among the beaming spectators behind her as she stood on the podium at Croke Park.
But the talk is not so much about the first-round championship game against Donegal next Saturday. Or the second round against Waterford a week later.
It’s about the hot-button topic
‘I hope that additional funding is made available’
of whether these winter AllIreland championships should take place at all with the country at Level 5, and whether any baseline testing of county squads would need to be implemented across ladies football and camogie as much as the men’s codes. As it stands, the GAA have put together a rapid testing process.
Then there’s the practical f i nancial i mplications t hat Aherne points out, given that the footballers are already bearing the brunt of travelling and gear expenses with county boards cash-strapped in these Covid-19 times.
‘I’d struggle to see how you could have a situation that that would take place in, if you’re purely looking at health grounds. I would have a concern around the costings of that. As far as I know the rapid testing costs around €5,000 per squad to roll out. We also don’t think we’re in a position where all women’s teams competing have a team doctor which I think is a drawback as well, in terms of managing this whole situation. For that cost to fall fully on a team or a county board is potentially difficult.
‘If it is a case that testing is to be rolled out in a more widespread manner then I hope that additional f unding i s made available so that ladies football and camogie are fully brought in underneath that.’
Aherne thought she had seen it all in a stellar career that has seen the 35-year-old involved for close on 20 seasons. And yet nothing compares to having to talk testing and the practicalities of effectively screening ladies football squads as she spoke to promote the TG4 Championship launch for 2020.
‘As amateur athletes, it’s difficult to fully follow that. I don’t think you’re probably going to be in a position where you can test on a weekly basis or something like that. I think the protocols need to be put in place and rigorously enforced, the likes of team travel and that is probably still a concern – how many people are allowed onto a bus, that type of thing. Social distancing. There probably are a few things and the GPA have been asking further questions so that we have the best procedures in place that we can.
‘In saying that, by and large players are probably not 100% comfortable, because I don’t think you can be.
‘At the same time, we recognise that we are lucky to be able to continue to train and play and if we can make that as safe as possible, for ourselves and our communities, within the guidelines, then that’s probably where we’re going.
‘It’s a worrying time and people are naturally concerned, there’s a bit of conflict, I suppose, in a situation where GAA is continuing but a lot of the rest of society and sport have been asked to wind down. ‘I think it’s probably a little bit difficult for players who are amateurs but at the same time are still looking forward to playing and competing in a championship.’ The 20x20 campaign is all about the bigger picture and increasing the profile and promotion of women’s sport and helping to bring parity of esteem. ‘ While we’re still not at the level of men’s sport in terms of bringing in gate revenue, it is time to take a step forward and take a different approach, maybe get additional government support.
‘Even the likes of gear, and travel expenses, there is a lot of costs mounting this year,’ she said.
‘It isn’t just about a monetary reward. It’s actually compensation so players can be in the best position to perform to the fullest of their ability.
‘There are a lot of costs that players are putting their hands in their pockets for, be it gear or physios in terms of extra support that they might need.
‘I think anything we can do to move that conversation along needs to be done at the time to do it. The 20x20 campaign, the profile of the games is continuing to grow and the move to maybe come at this at a different angle in terms of women’s sport and not just say, “you don’t have the revenue, you don’t have the crowd.”
‘ Maybe say i f we put more resources into it, one follows the other.’