EXILES FUMING OVER DECISION
THE London ladies footballers have asked for a reprieve to allow them to compete in the All-ireland JFC.
In a statement aimed at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, they have queried why they were omitted from the revised Championship draw which took place on Tuesday night, despite the fact that the GAA has allowed county teams in England to remain part of their competitions – for now at least.
“Was the decision to remove us from the Championship not taken too soon?” a statement read. “In the year of #20x20 and #Serioussupport, where we have been pushing women in sport to the fore, is this not a step backward on the Association’s behalf?
“With Championship not due to commence for another four months was it not an abrupt decision?
“London men’s football and hurling, as well as Warwickshire hurling have all been given the benefit of time before being eliminated.
“Is this not a perfect opportunity for the Association to ensure equal treatment between men and women in sport? We urge you to please, please reconsider and allow for a set of Championship fixtures in which London ladies participation is permitted while also keeping the devised fixtures as a backup in the instance travel is not possible.”
ROSCOMMON look set to launch their Connacht SFC title defence against London in Ireland – and perhaps even at Dr Hyde Park.
The rescheduled game will take place on the weekend of October 31/November 1 with all indications that it will be played on Irish soil.
The GAA has yet to confirm fixture details but Roscommon spokesman Hugh Lynn said: “It is our understanding that the game will be played in Ireland and as it is the first round of the Connacht championship, one would imagine it will be played in Connacht. We would of course hope the game will be played in Dr Hyde Park.”