Club clash is farcical says Fitz
COROFIN’S Kieran
Fitzgerald says it’s ‘farcical’ that another club versus college row has erupted.
Corofin defender Liam Silke will miss UCD’S Sigerson Cup semi-final in Mallow (3pm) on Saturday because it clashes with Corofin’s AIB All-ireland club semi-final in Leitrim (1.30pm).
Colleague Kieran Molloy will get to play for NUIG as their Sigerson semi was moved to Sunday but it still means two huge games in just over 24 hours.
It’s the second year running that both players have been unable to give a full commitment to their college because of a clash with Corofin duties.
Silke missed last year’s Sigerson final win while Molloy drove immediately from Corofin’s semi-final win in Tullamore to come on for NUIG in Santry.
Former Galway All-star Fitzgerald said: “It is farcical. For two years in a row the Sigerson, which is a very prestigious competition, has been denied the two of them. One game was moved but it still means playing twice in two days and you’re talking about player welfare.
“Our game against Gweedore will be hell for leather, and asking someone to do it again the next day is not good enough.”
Fitzgerald said the obvious answer is to complete the All-ireland series before Christmas – something that’s been discussed for years.
The 2001 All-ireland winner with Galway said: “Our provincial final was in mid-november, play the All-ireland semi-final two weeks later and the final two weeks after that. Even if it’s a week before Christmas, or 10 days, it would be some buzz for clubs.”