LIMERICK IT MANAGER Davy Fitzgerald has called on Higher Education GAA chiefs to delay Friday’s scheduled Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final against local rivals University of Limerick.
Fitzgerald believes that LIT are at a major disadvantage ahead of the last four clash on home soil against the 2011 winners.
LIT came through a gruelling quarter-final against IT Carlow this afternoon but now have just three days to recover for a clash with a fresh UL, who won their quarter-final against UCD last week.
And Fitzgerald insisted that even though finals weekend is fixed for LIT, it won’t be an inconvenience to delay the final until next week.
He said: “The one problem we had is the game (against IT Carlow) was changed four times.
“It was so hard – four different team talks for four different days and trying to keep the focus was unreal.
“I’d encourage the CA (Comhairle Ardoideachais) to have a right look at the weekend.
“You see what that knocked out of our bodies – we weren’t able to walk after it.
“To expect us to go out again is going to be a big ask.
“I’d encourage them (CA) to see common sense.
“We’re always going on about player welfare and hopefully they can look at it.
“And I don’t think we’d have a chance if we played again on Friday, with the effort that we’ve put in today.
“UL will have had no game for a week and a half – it’s a very big ask.”
And Fitzgerald insisted that weekend hosts LIT can juggle their arrangements to accommodate a midweek final.
He said: “For me it should be about the players – LIT will host it any time they want.
“I’m sure UL would want to play us and beat us when we’re fresh out.”
