Players and Fans disappointed and frustrated at Tipperary Fixture clash - Lowry

The proposed fixture clash between Tipperary’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final with Kilkenny on Sunday, 6th July with the Ladies Footballers senior quarter final against Meath on the same afternoon has led to dismay among Tipperary players and supporters, according to Tipperary North T.D. Michael Lowry.

Deputy Lowry said he has been contacted by several Tipperary players and supporters who are dismayed by the fact that the Ladies All-Ireland Quarter Final has been scheduled for Sunday July 6th at 5:15pm in Navan, which clashes directly with the Tipperary Senior Hurling team’s All-Ireland Semi-Final in Croke Park, which throws in at 4:00pm.

There is also a possibility that the Croke Park bill will also have Tipperary playing in an All-Ireland Senior Camogie quarter final, but that is to be confirmed following the teams final group game against Clare this Saturday.

In correspondence received by Deputy Lowry, a frustrated player on the Ladies team says: “This decision is not only inconsiderate to the dual supporters of both codes, but also makes it practically impossible for players, families, and fans to support both teams - something that means a great deal to Tipperary fans.”

Several of those who have contacted Deputy Lowry say that the issue isn’t just the clash of dates, which is frustrating enough, but the close timing of the games adds to the frustration as it removes the possibility of attending both games.

While both players and supporters understand that fixture congestion is a challenge and that some overlap in scheduling is inevitable, it is noted that three of the four ladies football quarter-finals are already scheduled for Saturday, including Dublin v Cork in Parnell Park at 1.15pm, which allows supporters from both teams to then head to Croke Park for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling semi-finals later in the afternoon.

That Croke Park bill could also have a senior camogie quarter final containing one of Galway or Waterford at 2.30pm, while around the same time the Ladies Footballers of the same sides meet in a quarter final in Tuam.

One obvious solution would be to flip the Galway v Waterford ladies football game to Sunday with Meath v Tipperary going to the Saturday slot, and wouldn’t lose out on a television slot with TG4 showing all four quarter finals.

However, Meath are due to play Down in an Intermediate Hurling quarter final with a number of dual players on the Meath panels which compounds the issue.

Deputy Lowry added that one aggrieved fan said: “Surely the most reasonable and respectful solution would have been to place the Ladies game on the Saturday to allow supporters the opportunity to be present for both massive occasions in Tipperary sport.”

Another supporter feels that this kind of scheduling sends a message that is hard to ignore - that consideration for the players and fans of Ladies Football remains secondary.

“It’s been over 40 years since Tipperary reached an All-Ireland quarter final in the Senior grade, so it is a huge achievement.

“This squad works just as hard, prepares just as much, and deserves the same opportunity to showcase Ladies Football in front of full stands, not to be hidden away in a scheduling conflict that could easily have been avoided. Fixtures should be scheduled with respect and common sense.

“This is not just a clash of calendars - it’s a failure in planning that actively damages the growth and visibility of Ladies Football in Tipperary and beyond' they say.”