LONDON Ladies football team has urged the LGFA to “reconsider” its decision to omit them from this year’s 2020 All-Ireland Championship and says it forces them to “stand in the shadows of our [male] counterparts” who will play Roscommon in the Connacht SFC.
In a statement, the London Ladies also believed the decision to dismiss them from competition due to the Covid19 pandemic and fears of travel restrictions between Ireland and Britian in October was premature.
“In the year of #20x20 and #SeriousSupport [initiatives to promote women in sport], where we have been pushing women in sport to the fore, is this not a step backward on the Association’s behalf - leaving us to stand in the shadows of our counterparts who as of yet will still travel for October fixtures?” read the statement.
“With Championship not due to commence for another four months was it not an abrupt decision to deny London Ladies participation so far in advance?
“London Men's Football and Hurling, as well as Warwickshire Hurling have all been given the benefit of time before being eliminated from their respective competitions.”
The LGFA and Ladies Provincial Council of Britain defended the decision to omit the London ladies who reached last season’s All-Ireland Junior Championship semi-finals.
Marie Hickey, President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, defended the decision.
“Ultimately, we feel that letting people know early is good, rather than having people hanging on wondering.”
President of the Ladies Provincial Council of Britain, Patricia Morrison, is on LGFA’s management committee backed the decision.
“The longer you wait, especially for British counties, the greater the expense and pressure you’re putting on counties to arrange travel and accommodation,” she said.
