Cork GAA seeks to explain venue decision, defends treatment of smaller rural clubs

Cork GAA have now defended their processes, explaining the sequence of events and communication with the clubs involved that informed the scheduling.

Their statement read: “Almost immediately after the Co-Op Superstores PSHC relegation play-off ended in a draw, Erin’s Own contacted the CCC (competitions control committee) to advise that they were unavailable to play on the weekend of October 5th. This had been the CCC's preferred weekend to play the replay. However, they confirmed that they were available to play on the weekend of September 28th.

“Newtownshandrum were asked for their observations and informed the CCC that they were unavailable on the weekends of October 12th, 19th, 26th, and November 2nd.

“The CCC also noted that Erin's Own were scheduled to play an East Cork Junior A Football Championship quarter-final on Sunday, September 28th. In light of this, the CCC proposed Friday, September 26th, as an alternative date. Both clubs agreed.

“A midway venue with floodlights was sought. Ballyhooly was available. Their pitch is 45km from Newtownshandrum and 40km from Erin's Own.”

Meanwhile, Newtown spoke against the County Board’s recent moves to cut back on juvenile amalgamations. They have been involved in Shandrum, a successful underage combination alongside Dromina, which won the Premier 2 Minor Hurling title last year.

Manager Gary Morrissey compared the large populations available to many city and urban clubs with the challenges for rural clubs to remain active and competitive at juvenile grades. He also noted the contrast between divisional teams competing at Premier Senior level against the dismantling of some underage amalgamations.

The response to those concerns stated: “Cork County Board remain committed to protecting our smaller clubs, be they rural or urban. To this end, a review of independent teams (amalgamations) has taken place over the last six months, with a particular focus on increasing player participation and the safeguarding of club identities.

“Across three County Committee meetings, all clubs have been assured that general rule facilitates independent teams in all cases where clubs are unable to field on their own.

“Furthermore, a newly established Monitoring Committee, including representation from clubs, is currently liaising with all clubs who find themselves in this difficult position.

“In parallel, the County Demographics Committee is currently engaged with Board officers to bring forward recommendations to increase participation levels in urban areas and to consider options for areas suffering from rural depopulation.

“Our Club Affairs Committee continues to meet directly with any clubs who face significant challenges related to the areas highlighted above.”

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