ARMAGH ladies manager James Daly has hit out at the GAA, claiming “sexism is alive and well” within the organisation.
The accusation comes in the wake of the GAA’s decision to deny his side the chance to play at Croke Park this Saturday, with Armagh scheduled to play Dublin in the All-Ireland Ladies semi-final at Parnell Park instead.
Daly had hoped their game could be switched to HQ to act as a support game for the All-Ireland Senior Football semi-final replay between Mayo and Dublin, with no Minor game taking place prior to the 5pm throw-in.
However, the GAA rejected the proposal to bring the ladies’ game to a greater audience due to concerns over the condition of the pitch, with Kilkenny and Galway to meet in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling final the following day.
"The way I look at it is that sexism is alive and well in the GAA today," Daly told The Belfast Telegraph.
"They could have, without any doubt, let us play in Croke Park and give all the girls a big day out. But the men's GAA don't like to do those things. They like to let on that they are integrating, but it is all for show.
"I am not happy about it at all. It's the same old story. There's nothing we can do about it.”
Armagh and Dublin were due to throw-in at 5pm in Parnell Park, but Sunday’s drawn meeting between Mayo and Dublin has caused the ladies’ semi-final to be brought forward to 2pm to avoid a clash, with both games to be televised.
Dromintee clubman Daly added: "We have had our game in place for months and the men (Mayo and Dublin) had a drawn game in Croke Park. Within an hour, everybody is moving our game to make way for them.
"Why could they not have played their game at 2.00pm, and let our game stand the way it was?”
Reaction:
@LadiesFootball @pauriclodge This is a huge opportunity missed to promote Ladies football all over Ireland.
— Stephen davis (@ballyedhead) August 31, 2015
@LadiesFootball scandalous
— Jodie Black (@jodie3224) August 30, 2015
@LadiesFootball and if the minor had gone to a replay ? We already know the answer.
— Marchmane (@marchmane1) August 30, 2015
@LadiesFootball Iv seen 3 games in one day on Croker (hurling semi) 6 games over a BH weekend. In winter with bad conditions fair enough!
— Ciarán Farrelly (@Ciaran919) August 30, 2015
@LadiesFootball that's weak.perhaps we need greater lobbyists pushing this.@dublinladiesg
— Ammo (@i_am_ammo) August 30, 2015
@LadiesFootball since when can croke park not cope with three games in two days?
— Roisin Murphy (@princessroisinm) August 30, 2015
@LadiesFootball This is a nonsense excuse.
— Brendan C011ins (@BrendanSol) August 30, 2015
