The Women's Gaelic Players Association say that they're hoping to find a solution to the controversy surrounding the All Ireland camogie quarter-finals.
If Clare beat Derry this weekend, Dublin and Clare won't be separated under the various points and scoring criteria and the Camogie Association say the two sides will be forced to draw lots to decide which side advances to the quarter-finals.
However, the WGPA say it has been working with all the parties involved to try and find a solution and has called for a review process next Monday - should Clare prove successful against Derry.
The association outlined the possibilities for the scenarios in a statement:
"There are three possible scenarios arising from this fixture and determining who progresses to the quarter-finals to play Wexford.
-If Derry beat Clare, Dublin finish on higher points from the group stages and proceed to the quarter-finals.
-If Clare and Derry draw, Dublin finish on higher points and proceed to the quarter-finals.
-If Clare beat Derry they will draw level with Dublin, on points, sharing three points each.
Dublin and Clare previously played each other on Saturday, July 11th. This game ended in a draw with a final score of 1-08.
Under the 2015 National Fixtures Management plan, if two teams have an equal ranking (i.e. if head to head game ended in a draw), the final rankings will be decided by the following steps a, b and finally c.
- Higher number of goals scored in the group match (es) between the teams in question
- Higher number of points scored in the group match (es) between the teams in question. If after this the teams are still equal then the final scenario applies.
- Draw lots (this will arise in the event that Clare beat Derry). This draw will take place after the match ends with the team drawn, proceeding to the quarter-finals."
Dublin manager Shane O’Brien spoke to Morning Ireland this morning and stated: “To be honest, [the players] are distraught really. They’ve given so much of their time, made so many sacrifices.
“We’ve met together as a group 93 times (this season) and it’s hugely disrespectful to the efforts the players have made. They’ve given up their lives for this competition and it’s devaluing the competition at this stage.”
The WGPA statement read:
“We are very keen to avoid the drawing of lots to determine who goes through, as it is to the detriment of our games and detracts from the efforts the players involved have put in so far this season.
“Although the procedure for determining the final ranking has previously been agreed on by the county boards, we would welcome a review of the process, including full engagement with all parties involved on Monday July 27th, should Sunday’s result leave Clare and Dublin tied for third place.
“We will continue to work towards a better outcome.”
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