In the eternally muddled world of GAA fixtures, this weekend throws up a deeply unsatisfactory clash. 90 minutes before the start of the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup final in Santry, UCD's Liam Silke and NUIG's Kieran Molloy will be in Tullamore, competing for Corofin against Moorefield in the All-Ireland Club Football Championship semi-final.
Speaking to Balls ahead of the final, NUIG captain Damien Comer says that the fixture clash, and the fact his team will be without Molloy doesn't make sense.
It's disappointing for us as a team as well as him, but more so for him. He's effectively missing out on the chance to play in an All-Ireland final. How often do you get that chance to play? It's not ideal, really. 365 days of the year...for two massive competitions to collide on the one day, it just doesn't make sense.
It's for Kieran and Liam Silke respectively, you'd feel sorry for them because club obviously comes first and you can't blame them for that but they're missing out on that chance.
I know if I was in that situation I'd be very annoyed having to miss it. Of course you're playing in an All-Ireland semi-final with your club which is great but you're still missing out on an All-Ireland final and I'd be very annoyed if I didn't get the chance because of my commitments to another part of the GAA.
I think it's very unfair on the lads.
Kieran would have probably played the full game if he was allowed. He loves it. He's fitted in well with the lads. He wasn't around early on in the year because of club commitments, but anytime he's in there for us he's given his all.
He's going to be a massive loss to us and we'll have to wish him the best of luck with his club. It's just disappointing the way it's worked out.
Jim Gavin suggested that the Higher Education competitions should be given their own month in the GAA calendar, to avoid overlap with the Allianz Leagues. Comer agrees, but struggles to see how it will fit in. "It would probably help, but there's so much congestion in the GAA, I don't know where you're going to fit that in. I know Jim Gavin was on about it, that you have exams before Christmas so you don't have time for it. But I suppose that if you could run it off maybe in the month of January rather than your preseason campaign, that might be a better idea. And then have it over and done with before the National League starts, that could be an idea".
Even without Molloy, NUIG will have a considerable phalanx of Galway players in their team on Saturday afternoon. Eight of the NUIG panel train together with Galway, which Comer says has helped. "I suppose it helps as you're playing with the lads a bit more and you know how they play and where they're looking to kick pass and stuff. You respond by playing with them. From the opening three games the lads have started in all three of them and had very good games. That's definitely stood and confidence-wise it builds them up to be very good players with NUIG so hopefully they can continue their form on into Saturday".
This is NUIG's first Sigerson Cup final in 15 years, and Comer admits that his side are "up against it" opposite a UCD team that will probably feature Con O'Callaghan.
We're up against it. They've some fabulous footballers. But, we'll have to give it our best shot. Anything can happen in a football game. Our lads will be looking forward to the first Sigerson final in 15 years. It's going to be a great occasion for our boys.
