Fixture clashes and calendar debacles are never far away in the world of the GAA, particularly at this time of the year as the club scene takes over from the inter-county; and the latest victim is Dublin's Cuala GAA.
The club was scheduled to play both a Senior Camogie and Ladies Football fixture on Sunday.
The Cuala Senior 2 v Naomh Mearnog Dublin quarter-final camogie clash was fixed for 10am while the Intermediate Football Ladies final is set to take place in Fingallians at 6pm against Clanna Gael.
Nine dual players are involved in both set-ups.
The club has therefore been forced to concede one of the games in question, namely the camogie encounter and the latter fixture will now take place.
❌ Club statement on why we've had to concede our @WeAreDub @CamogieDublin Championship match. ❌
Thread. 1 pic.twitter.com/hxA624Ei89— Cuala GAA (@CualaCLG) September 21, 2019
The club has released a statement saying it was a decision that was not taken lightly, in light of player welfare implications, after the scheduling of both games.
"Reflecting Cuala's decade long 'one club' approach to female Gaelic games, these squads have dual nine players - each equally committed to their club football and camogies and an integral part of each squad.
"We, therefore are disappointed, disheartened and deeply frustrated to put in an impossible situation.
"Despite repeated attempts to seek solutions with both county boards, it has not been possible to reschedule either of the games.
"Both boards are hamstrung by the non-recognition in their respective rule books of the existence of the other code and are therefore operating strictly within their own codes and rules.
"This is not withstanding the fact that both organisations promote the 'one club' initiative and have player welfare policies.
"Having reflected on the player welfare implications of nine players playing central roles with both squads, Cuala Women's section must reluctantly concede the camogie championship game and with that the Cuala squad chances of making a semi-final.
"This is not a "football v camogie" based decision - simply the least worst option available - the football is a championship final stage with Dublin representation in a Leinster competition required by next weekend."
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