By:
Conor Martin
GAA fixture planners have urged counties to act quickly if there are any concerns over pitch conditions ahead of a busy weekend of Allianz League action, with 31 games down for decision across the country.
The warning follows the impact of Storm Chandra and continued heavy rainfall, which have left question marks hanging over the playability of several venues as the second round of league fixtures approaches. While the GAA remains optimistic that the full programme can be fulfilled, officials are conscious that conditions remain unpredictable and may deteriorate further in the coming days.
One match has already been affected, with Antrim’s Division 1B hurling clash against Clare on Sunday moved from Dunloy to Ruairí Óg Cushendall after concerns were raised about the original venue. The switch has heightened awareness among fixture-makers, who are anxious to avoid late postponements or logistical issues for travelling teams and supporters.
Communication will be key as counties and GAA battle the elements
In a circular issued to counties, the Central Competitions Control Committee has stressed the importance of early communication, urging county officers to notify Croke Park without delay if pitches are under threat. The message is clear: advance warning is essential to allow contingency plans to be put in place and to minimise disruption.
With weather conditions continuing to dominate the agenda, all eyes will be on pitch inspections as the weekend’s fixtures draw closer.
Counties have been told to have standby venues ready, while any postponed games will be pushed to the next available slot, meaning any Saturday night fixtures that get called off would be refixed for Sunday.
GAA will monitor the weather situation ahead of a busy weekend of Allianz League action
Following the bad weather that has hit Ireland, a GAA spokesman confirmed the above saying: “If the home county has any doubt about the playability of the pitch, we have asked them to let us know immediately.
“We will continue to monitor the situation over the next few days, but hopefully all games will proceed as planned.”
Weather has already hit the league; in football, Waterford’s Division Four meeting with Longford was called off on match day after a pitch inspection at Fraher Field.
Fixture-makers have some wriggle room, however. Postponed football games from the opening rounds can be refixed on hurling-only weekends on February 7–8th and March 7–8th, while football-only dates on February 14–15th and March 14–15th could accommodate any delayed hurling fixtures. An extra gap between the league and the provincial championships adds further flexibility.
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