Cuala were forced to concede a Dublin Senior 2 Camogie Championship game which was slated to be played on Sunday morning.
A walkover was given to Neamh Mearnóg in a game which was scheduled to be played at 10am as an intermediate football championship final was on the calendar for the same day. Nine players would have been involved in both games.
Despite players being willing to play in both matches, due to player welfare concerns, Cuala conceded the camogie fixture.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, the club explained the decision.
"Cuala Womens Section, and in particular the players and management of our Adult Senior Camogie and Ladies Football squads, are disappointed, disheartened and deeply frustrated to have been put in an impossible position on Sunday September 22nd. We have been asked to play two critical senior championship games, involving 9 dual players, on the same day in two locations - forcing us to reluctantly concede one of the games in the interests of the welfare of our female players.
"Our first senior womens football team are fixed for an intermediate football championship final at 6pm whilst earlier in the day our adult camogie first squad have a crucial fourth round championship game at 10am. Reflecting Cuala's decade long "one club" approach to female gaelic games, these squads have 9 dual players - each equally committed to their club football and camogie and an integral part of each squad
"Despite repeated attempts to seek solutions with both county boards, it has not been possible to re-schedule either of the games. Both Boards are hamstrung by the non recognition in their respective rule books of the existence of the other code and are therefore operating strictly within their own rules and codes. This is notwithstanding the fact that both organisations promote the "One Club" initiative and have player welfare policies.
"Having reflected on the player welfare implications of 9 players playing central roles with both squads tomorrow, Cuala Womens Section must reluctantly concede the camogie championship game and with that the Cuala squad's chances of making a semi final. This is not a "football v camogie" based decision - simply the least worst option available - the football is at a championship final stage with Dublin representation in a Leinster competition required by next weekend.
"Notwithstanding that many players were prepared to play both games, Cuala Womens section concluded this was neither in the best interests of the players from a welfare point of view nor the club as both squads performance levels would have inevitably been impacted."
Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
