There is anger in ladies football circles after a request to stage next Saturday's All-Ireland senior semi-final between Dublin and Armagh as a curtain-raiser to the Dublin v Mayo men's semi-final replay at Croke Park was turned down.
The ladies semi-final was due to start at 5pm, but will now throw-in at 2pm in nearby Parnell Park to avoid a clash with the men's replay, which has been fixed for 5pm. According to the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, the GAA didn't want to play any extra games at Croke Park so close to next Sunday's All-Ireland hurling finals.
However, many in ladies football are unhappy with the decision, with Dublin captain Lyndsey Davey describing it as an "absolute joke" on Twitter.
@dublinladiesg @LadiesFootball @DubGAAOfficial Is it any wonder why Ladies Gaelic struggles to get the support it deserves?! Absolute joke!
- Lyndsey Davey (@LyndseyDavey) August 30, 2015
Less damage than 80,000 at a pop concert !! https://t.co/599jWkyNB6
- dublinladiesg (@dublinladiesg) August 30, 2015
No it's not good enough huge opportunity to promote @LadiesFootball is gone https://t.co/6VRK7V8OAV
- dublinladiesg (@dublinladiesg) August 30, 2015
Are they afraid that the ladies will damage the pitch ?? Lost opportunity here to promote ladies football ... https://t.co/NcwwNjtJ5u
- dublinladiesg (@dublinladiesg) August 30, 2015
It's a shame the Ladies Football semi-final can't be played at #CrokePark ahead of #Dublin v #Mayo replay next Saturday
- Des Cahill (@sportsdes) August 30, 2015
Missed opportunity by GAA/CP not to have @Armaghladiesga1 v @dublinladiesg game as a double header next Sat. Dubs supports forced 2 choose
- Eamonn O Hara (@EamonnOHara8) August 30, 2015
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