The Gaelic Players Association have released a strong statement against the manner in which the GAA re-scheduled several Allianz League encounters after yesterday's postponements. Across the country, snow ensured several pitches were unplayable.
Games were re-fixed for today, but the GPA have criticised this process as many players have work or family commitments.
Following the GAA's decision to re-schedule a number of the National League games by 24 hours to tomorrow, Bank Holiday Monday, the GPA have been contacted by a number of affected squads extremely unhappy with the arrangements.
Notwithstanding the recent inclement weather conditions creating considerable challenges for the CCCC with regard to rescheduling of games, the GPA consider it wholly unacceptable that no consultation was made with players beforehand.
It would appear that little or no consideration was given to players who have contractual obligations to their employers to fulfil. Furthermore, many of our players have personal or family arrangements for tomorrow which must now be changed at short notice.
The GPA claimed they will support squads who are refusing to fulfill their fixtures.
The GPA will be supporting a number of squads who have outlined their commitment not to fulfil their fixtures tomorrow due to players unavailability. We have this evening contacted the GAA outlining our support for these squads and requesting that the CCCC find an alternative arrangement for these games.
In 2017, over 70% of inter county football squads voted against the revised fixture schedule which was subsequently passed at GAA Congress. This condensed calendar season has little or no contingency for adverse weather conditions or suitable periods for rest and recovery of our amateur players. In the interests of welfare of our members, the GPA feels this is something that the GAA needs to review.
It was earlier announced that the football matches of Waterford vs Limerick, Louth vs Meath and Wicklow vs Limerick as well as the Division 2A hurling final between Westmeath and Carlow will not go ahead today.
