GAA must sort out fixtures

THERE are times when we have to suspend our disbelief and, simply, accept that sanity has to be been abandoned. Insofar as sport is concerned no organisation can match the GAA for bringing about this suspension of reality.

There we are, sated, having experienced a most extraordinary championship season in both hurling and football (and indeed in camogie and women's football as well), when we are tossed, breathless, into another major competition against the wishes of the vast majority of the paying public, the players and the administrators.

In recent times turmoil has been the norm in many sports in Ireland but to none is turmoil more indigenous than Gaelic Games. As counties all over the country are tidying up their "domestic" affairs autumn cleaning in a sense full programmes of inter county hurling and football fixtures are being played when practically everyone simply wants to stay at home on a Sunday afternoon and read the papers in peace.

From time to time the GAA has attempted to rationalise this situation but has failed miserably as various schemes to impose order have been rejected. The most recent attempt with this in mind caused the Offaly county board to threaten that Offaly would not take part in the National Hurling League if a new calendar of fixtures was put into effect. Thankfully the county has since had a change of heart on the matter.

To be frank about it, the GAA is probably a victim of its own popularity but the situation where the tail can sometimes (frequently even) be allowed to wag the dog must be resisted.

While many administrators of considerable experience and skill have dragged the GAA wailing and screaming into a more modern world, there are many who still hold to the ancient verities such as the parish, the determination to preserve our games" from outside influences and other such shibboleths. But time has moved on and "outside influences" have had their inevitable effect.

Nonetheless, the stark fact is that there are many counties in both football and hurling who allowed themselves to get into a rut. They know, or believe they know, that the chances of their football or hurling team getting into the later stages of the All Ireland championship are, quite honestly, nil.

There are even prominent players in quite strong counties who have no confidence in their own talents to the extent that they arrange weddings or foreign holidays with no thought of July, August or September. Some have had to make frantic re-arrangements when clashes with provincial finals, All Ireland semi finals, finals and, even All Ireland final replays suddenly arise. I kid you not.

The problem arises because each county and each province regards itself as an independent freedom with total control over its serfs. What the power barons in the counties and provinces don't seem to realise is that they are employing people (in Croke Park) to handle their affairs and then proceeding to ignore the advice for which they have paid.

Far be it from this column to suggest that the Croke Park moguls are always right but it beggars belief that there are many within the ranks of the GAA who are prepared to hire a dog and then do the barking themselves.

In short the GAA has to get its act together insofar as its business is concerned and the rank and file must appoint and then accept the advice given by the professionals.

The existence of the stand and the programme continued expansion is positive that the GAA is right road. The future of the games themselves is what must now be the priority. Promotion and development at grassroots level is crucial and this, too, is being addressed.

There is continuous and continuing competition for the hearts and minds of young people, much of it coming from outside the country. The GAA has no need to fear for its future but it should not believe that its past will sustain it.

A new and dynamic approach to its fixture list which allows for competitions at all standards to be played at suitable times is needed.

As things stand the GAA is frequently competing with itself. Its prime competitions must be played without minor distractions and at times of the year which are suitable.

In the present circumstances the National Leagues are often secondary to club and other fixtures. That is a crucial issue and, to paraphrase Sean Lemass when he said that broadcasting was too important to be left to the broadcasters, fixtures are too important to be left to the fixers.

Only those with a national overview should be listened to in this crucial area. There are many minor competitions which can be done without for a start. The All Ireland championships and the National Leagues must be given total priority.