The GAA’s decision to have championship matches on a Friday night has been criticised by players involved on both sides.
The game between Carlow and Laois will of course not take place under lights, but it is the first Friday night game in the history of the Association and while it seems to have caught the imagination of the supporters, logistically some of those involved on Friday week say it does not take into consideration the players.
Carlow captain Brian Murphy told The Sun that he thinks it is a poor decision and highlights the contempt the Association has for the so-called lesser counties.
“It just shows what they think of the match. We have fellas working up in Dublin, they have to try and get down for a 7.45pm throw-in,” he told the paper.
“It’s absolutely disgraceful, it wouldn’t have happened to any of the bigger counties.”
Concerns have also been raised over the timing (7.45pm) of the game as there are no floodlights at Dr. Cullen Park. Should the game go to extra-time, this could become an issue with fading light.
Other players have also voiced their disapproval at the ground-breaking decision by GAA top brass.
That’s absolutely ridiculous no regard for either set of players…
— MJ Tierney (@Mjtierney13) June 17, 2013
@sportsdes What about the lads working in manual labour jobs? Tough day for them
— Sean Gannon (@CannonGannon9) June 17, 2013
Leinster Council CEO Michael Delaney, who hails from Laois, has been an advocate of switching up the traditional summer schedule and looking at the option of Friday and Monday night ties, but it looks like it hasn’t got the reaction from players that the GAA had hoped.
