Portlaoise LGFA have called on Laoise Ladies County Board to 'resolve a nonsensical fixture issue' ahead of their Minor final and Round 1 of the Leinster Senior Football Championship this weekend.
They are scheduled to face Longford Slashers at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Football Championship and to play Sarsfields in the Minor final just three hours later, at 5 p.m.
According to the statement moving the final to 5 p.m. on the same day was the "county board's only attempt to alleviate this issue," although five players are on both panels and must now choose either to miss one fixture or play in both and risk injury.
The statement, signed by the Portlaoise LGFA committee and coaches, expresses how "deeply disappointed" they are both with the original decision and the failure to rectify it.
"At this juncture, we find ourselves unable to rationalize this decision.
"Let us remember that we are all simply stewards of this beautiful game, entrusted with ensuring it thrives for the players' sake and for future generations.
"It's time for the county board to take ownership and resolve this nonsensical fixture issue.
"The game belongs to the players, and their voices must be heard."
The men's section, Portlaoise GAA, have expressed their support for the players.
A similar situation has arisen for players of Antrim club St Ergnat's, Moneyglass, which is scheduled to play in Donaghmoyne in Monaghan at 2 p.m. in an Ulster LGFA championship game while its minors are set for an 8 p.m. A final in Belfast.
"Why our players and management are not being afforded the best possible opportunity to prepare for the games which they have been working towards in the last six months is beyond comprehension," Moneyglass said in a statement.
