LAST UPDATE | 6 Dec 2020
TODAY’S ALL-IRELAND ladies football semi-final between Cork and Galway was moved for the second time this week, after the Parnell Park pitch was frozen.
The game was switched to Croke Park on Sunday morning after the Ladies Gaelic Football Association [LGFA] said this morning that “icy conditions” at the Donnycarney venue meant it was no longer playable. The Association has released a detailed statement this evening.
The last-four battle had been set to be played in the LIT Gaelic Grounds, before being moved as Limerick hurlers required the stadium for a training session ahead of the All-Ireland final.
The game was brought forward from 1.30pm to 1pm, but it did not start on time as Galway arrived to Croke Park late.
It was due to be broadcast live by TG4 but because of the logistics involved from a TV production point of view, it was not televised.
“Our production team and technical crew were set up and ready to go at Parnell Park and unfortunately the game was switched to Croke Park,” a TG4 spokesperson told The42.
“The late switch meant that we were unable to broadcast the match from Croke Park and there wasn’t enough time to rig cameras, outside broadcast unit and all the relevant equipment that is required to broadcast or stream the match.”
The Ladies Gaelic Football Association [LGFA] has since released a statement, moving to clarify matters through a timeline of today’s events.
“The Ladies Gaelic Football Association wishes to clarify matters arising from today’s TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship semi-final between Cork and Galway,” it reads.
“A morning pitch inspection deemed the original venue, Parnell Park, unplayable, due to severe frost.
“The decision to move the game from Parnell Park, therefore, was made in the interests of player safety.
“A request to accommodate the fixture at Croke Park was made to the GAA at 10:20am, and the LGFA was informed at 11am that the game could be played there.
“The Galway team, in Kinnegad at the time, received first notification at 10:53am that there was an issue with Parnell Park.
“We were acutely aware that Galway were travelling at the time, and they were informed that the LGFA had contacted Croke Park in relation to a potential venue and time change.
“Galway were informed, once confirmation was forthcoming from Croke Park, at 11am, that they should proceed to the venue, for a 1pm throw-in.
“The 1pm throw-in time was scheduled due to the fact that a result on the day was required, with extra-time and 30m kicks a possibility.
“Cork, who were based in Dublin overnight, were also contacted at this stage and made aware of the new arrangements.
While recognising that a change of venue and time was not ideal, the alternative was to postpone the game. The health and safety of our players was to the forefront in the LGFA’s decision to proceed at Croke Park.
“We wish to thank the GAA most sincerely for making Croke Park available to the LGFA at short notice.
“The game got underway at 1:10pm, to afford both teams an extra ten minutes to prepare.
“The LGFA regrets that the game was not available to viewers, despite concerted efforts to secure live coverage.
“We congratulate Cork on qualifying for the Final against Dublin at Croke Park on December 20, and offer our commiserations to Galway on the day.”
“This is a logistical issue but I think it’s a women’s issue. There are no words really,” Cork boss Ephie Fitzgerald said post-match.
Today’s semi-final was originally pencilled in for a double-header with last weekend’s last-four battle between Dublin and Armagh, but it was rescheduled for this weekend because of a dual clash involving five Cork players.
Really feel for Galway Ladies. They arrived 20 mins before throw in and had about 5 mins to warm up for an All Ireland Semi Final due to another venue change! Equality my arse! The LGFA have so much to answer. What a shambles #jokeshop #lgfa
— Damien Comer (@DamoComer) December 6, 2020
I appreciate circumstances are difficult and no one is to blame, but so disappointed and tired now of off-field 'issues' consistently overshadowing the talents of female athletes...
— Mary White (@mary_white33) December 6, 2020
What a mess for the Galway and Cork footballers today. Moved from Gaelic Grounds to Parnell Park this week and then to Croke Park because of a frozen pitch and no TV coverage. Head wreck before an All Ireland semi-final. Good luck to both teams today.
— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) December 6, 2020
This is so so disappointing https://t.co/FWyKlhyd2H
— Bríd Stack (@BridStackie) December 6, 2020
Galway and Cork ladies should have refused to play today. Some joke changing a match last minute and not streaming it for their families to see
— Michèal Lundy (@lundycorofin) December 6, 2020
I see both RTÉ and Sky are getting a kicking for not ‘helping’ TG4 with the venue change. It really isn’t that simple, and the crews that work hard to televise these games work for all the tv channels. It’s not them ‘not helping’ but it really isn’t that simple to rig quickly.
— MáireT (@MaireTNC) December 6, 2020
Is mór an trua é ach beimid ar ais i gceann coícíse. Go n-éirí leis an dá fhoireann i bPáirc an Chrócaigh inniu.
— Michelle Ryan (@Shelz1218) December 6, 2020
Best of luck to both teams in Croke Park 🏐 pic.twitter.com/kqCXdlRTsk
- Additional reporting from Emma Duffy and Fintan O’Toole.
