Na Fianna facing prospect of hectic, unfair schedule

Greater consultation between sporting bodies required

The Na Fianna camogie and football players are facing a hectic, and grossly unfair, schedule unless there are changes to the fixture schedule.

The club's camogie and football teams have claimed Leinster titles and are now due to push on in search of All-Ireland glory.

There are a large contingent of players who turn out for each team and now these dual players are facing a real fixture dilemma - with at least one media outlet suggesting both games will be played the same day!!

As it stands both teams, it is understood by club sources, will play All-Ireland Club semi-finals on the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 2nd and 3rd December.

Already this year Na Fianna have played camogie and football games on successive days with the consequent demands on the dual players. An unfair demand.

The Camogie Association have fixed their All-Ireland semi-final with Tyrone side Eglish for Saturday 2nd December leaving their football game against either London side Tir Chonaill Gaels or Glanmire for the following day.

Tir Chonaill Gaels and Glanmire take on each other this coming weekend.

However, the LFGA have not indicated yet that the All-Ireland semi-final will be played for certain on the 3rd December.

That has to be confirmed although it is understood at least by some in the Na Fianna club that it would be played that weekend.

Na Fianna players and management teams will hope all confusion about the games will be sorted sooner rather than later so that they can get on with their preparations.

That would be the least the Na Fianna players, especially those brave, fully committed, dual players might expect.

It's another situation where there is a clear cross-over between camogie and ladies football that's unfair on the players involved. Clearly greater consultation is needed between the two governing bodies. A lot of work has been done in that regard but more still needs to be done.

In 2021 Meath's dual player Megan Thynne found herself playing the first half of a football game for her county in Cavan before travelling to Inniskeen for the second -half of an important camogie match.

It was unfair then, and it's unfair now.