Portlaoise LGFA have called on the Laois Ladies County Board to ‘resolve a nonsensical fixture issue’ which has arisen this weekend.
In a post on their Facebook account tonight, Portlaoise LGFA highlighted their frustrations over a fixture clash.
On Sunday, Portlaoise will face Longford Slashers in Round 1 of the Leinster Senior Football Championship at 2pm.
Meanwhile, Portlaoise have also qualified for the Minor final against Sarsfields which is also scheduled for Sunday – at 5pm in the Centre of Excellence.
There are five players on both panels with Susie delaney, Ella McNulty, Clodagh Power, Rachel Byrne and Aoibheann Dalton left in a difficult position.
Either pick one team over the other or else attempt to play two matches in the one afternoon and potentially risk injury.
Having exhausted all available avenues, Portlaoise LGFA have released a statement on Facebook.
They are now calling on the Laois LGFA County Board to change their decision.
The statement is signed by Stephen Duff (Senior and Junior Manager), Cyril Mulligan (Minor Coach), Ray Hanamy (Minor Coach), Olga Loughman (Portlaoise LGFA Chairperson) and the Portlaoise LGFA Committee.
They said: “This Sunday, October 22, the Portlaoise Senior team has the incredible opportunity to represent our county in the Leinster Club Senior Championship against Longford Slashers.
“This privilege is one we hold dear and a responsibility we take to heart.
“Traditionally, we have rallied behind fellow champions from Laois in their pursuit of success at this level. It is our belief that unity amongst clubs, strengthens our collective image beyond our county borders.
“Unfortunately, the Laois LGFA have now scheduled the Minor A final for the same afternoon of the same day. Six of our players are involved in both panels.
“This predicament has forced these six players to choose between both panels.
“In light of this, the county boards only attempt to alleviate this issue was to change the Minor game time to 5 pm – but still on the same day.
“With player welfare at the forefront of our minds, we are deeply disappointed by this decision.
“Regrettably, player welfare seems to have consistently taken a backseat because of the decisions of administrators.
“This Sunday should be a momentous occasion for our club, symbolizing our unity as representatives of Laois in Leinster.
“For our Minor players, playing in a Minor final should be the crowning achievement in their juvenile sports journey.
“The only proposed solution was to approach our opponents in the Minor Final, for a potential change. Unfortunately, this avenue led to a dead end.
“However we do acknowledge that this decision should never have been left between the two clubs.
“At this juncture, we find ourselves unable to rationalise this decision.
“Let us remember that we are all simply stewards of this beautiful game, entrusted with ensuring it thrives for the players’ sake and for future generations.
“It’s time for the county board to take ownership and resolve this nonsensical fixtures issue.
“The game belongs to the players, and their voices must be heard.”
Portlaoise GAA, the men’s part of the club, shared their support on Facebook.
They said: “Fully support our ladies here. Our senior ladies representing their county in Leinster…you would imagine they’d have the support of their own county board.
“Quite the opposite. Sincerely hope Laois LGFA see sense here and reschedule minor county final to the next available and suitable date.”
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